Final answer:
The person described in the question likely refers to the work of Charles Cooley or George Herbert Mead, who focused on individuals and small group dynamics within society. These sociologists emphasized the concept of the self developing through social interaction and the impact of society on individual choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual with a desire to learn more about society through the sociological perspective, who preferred to look at smaller units such as families, gangs, and friendship networks, is likely referencing the work of prominent sociologists like Charles Cooley and George Herbert Mead. Cooley introduced the concept of "the looking glass self", indicating that our self-understanding is partially shaped by how we perceive others to see us. Meanwhile, Mead discussed how the self develops through social interaction. Thus, the sociological perspective emphasizes understanding the intricate relationship between individuals and society.
It is worth mentioning Peter L. Berger, who defined the role of a sociologist and the complexity of social interactions in his book Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective. Sociologists like Berger, Cooley, and Mead help us recognize the interconnectedness between personal experiences and larger societal structures.
Moreover, the sociological imagination, as described by C. Wright Mills, plays a crucial role in analyzing the interplay between an individual's behavior and the broader cultural context. The investigation of social units like groups allows for a deeper comprehension of shared values and societal structure, using sociological perspectives such as Functionalist, Conflict, and Interactionist to analyze various group dynamics within society.