What does sociological mean?
Sociological is an adjective meaning connected with sociology, the study of society, social relationships, institutions, culture, and collective behavior. It can describe an academic discipline, method, theory, question, or analysis. The word is also used more broadly for conditions and influences arising from social organization, such as sociological changes, differences, or implications. In everyday discussion, a sociological explanation usually means an explanation based on how groups, institutions, power, culture, and relationships shape people's actions, rather than on individual psychology or biology alone. The term is especially common in academic and professional writing, including sociology, social science, education, criminology, and social policy. Compared with the more direct adjective social, sociological often signals an analytical or scholarly approach.
adjectiveRelating to sociology or to the study of society, social relationships, and social institutions. Also, relating to the ways in which social structures, cultures, and interactions influence behavior.
- Relating to sociology or the academic study of society.
- Relating to social structures, institutions, relationships, or the influence of society on behavior.
"The researchers conducted a sociological analysis of the community's changing attitudes toward work."
"Her sociological perspective challenges the assumption that individual choices are entirely personal."
"The article offers a sociological explanation for the rise of online communities."
Sociological is to society what psychological is to the mind: a lens for examining the forces that shape human behavior.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sociological come from?
Sociological was formed from sociology with the suffix -al, meaning “relating to.” Sociology itself combines the Latin socius, meaning “companion” or “ally,” with the Greek-derived suffix -logy, associated with the study of a subject. The Latin root also underlies social, society, associate, and association, while English learned many related social and communal terms through Latin and French.
Related word forms
How sociological is actually used
The adjective is primarily academic and analytical. It is often used in phrases such as sociological theory, research, or analysis; in general writing, social or societal may sound more natural.
Easily confused with sociological
Sociological describes something connected with the academic study of society, while societal more commonly describes something inherent in society itself, such as societal values or inequality.
Psychological concerns the mind and mental processes, whereas sociological concerns social relationships, institutions, and group life.