Final answer:
Sociology is the systematic study of social behavior, relationships, and institutions, exploring how cultural patterns and social forces affect individuals and groups. It also examines societal changes and the factors contributing to these changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sociology is concerned with the study of people, groups, institutions, and human activity in terms of social behavior and social order within society. It is a social science that examines the interconnections and interactions between individuals, groups, and institutions. Sociologists investigate various aspects of social life around the world, considering both historical and contemporary perspectives. As a scientific and systematic field, sociology explores social interactions, social movements, cultural patterns, and the forces that influence relationships and personal worldviews. By understanding the fabric of society, including elements like laws, morals, values, and cultural norms, sociology seeks to identify how these factors contribute to social changes, such as those in family structures or social behaviours. Defined as the study of society, sociology dives into the exploration of social facts, social relations, stratification, and interaction, giving us a detailed understanding of the underlying structures that govern social life. Overall, sociology contributes significantly to the comprehension of social cohesion and divisions, furthering our knowledge on collective behavior and responses to various societal issues.