Final answer:
Both history and biography are essential for the sociological perspective because they provide insights into social forces and individual experiences. History helps us understand long-term trends, while biography provides a personal view.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both history and biography are essential for the sociological perspective because they provide important insights into the social forces and individual experiences that shape society. History helps us understand the long-term trends and patterns that have influenced the development of societies, while biography provides a more personal and individualized view of how individuals navigate and contribute to social structures. For example, studying the history of social movements can give us a broader understanding of societal changes, such as the civil rights movement or the feminist movement. By examining the biographies of key figures in these movements, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the personal struggles and motivations that drove their actions, as well as the impact they had on society. By combining the study of history and biography, sociologists can analyze both the macro-level social structures and the micro-level individual experiences that shape society.