Final answer:
A broad focus on social structures that shape society as a whole typically refers to the field of sociology, which examines both macro and micro aspects of societal behaviors and institutions including economy, political systems, and social stratification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase, 'A broad focus on social structures that shape society as a whole,' would likely refer to sociology, which is the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. Sociology includes examination of both macro-level and micro-level perspectives to understand societal behaviors, patterns, and institutions. Societal structures like the economy, political systems, and social institutions fundamentally determine how individuals interact and how societies maintain and change over time.
This academic discipline explores the complex relationships within foundational social structures and how the larger kinship networks influence individual roles, rights, and obligations. Topics such as social stratification, functionalism, and the manifest and latent functions of societal activities are central to the study of sociology. Sociologists utilize paradigms such as positivism and qualitative sociology to conduct research and contribute to our understanding of social dynamics.
Importantly, these structures are not static. They are subject to change through historical developments, power dynamics, and collective human behaviors, which, for example, has led to a certain level of global inequality. Understanding these structures helps us comprehend not only the roles individuals play but also how society is held together and evolves over time.