What is the central concern of sociology as a discipline?

The central concern of sociology as a discipline lies in examining the patterns of social relationships and societal structures. Sociology focuses on how individuals and groups interact within different contexts and how these interactions shape societal norms, values, and institutions. It investigates the frameworks that govern behaviors and the influence of social constructs such as class, race, and gender on individual experiences. By analyzing these patterns, sociologists seek to understand the complexities of social life and the dynamics of society as a whole.

In contrast, focusing solely on the behavior of individuals in isolation overlooks the social context that significantly influences personal actions. While the relationships and interactions among social institutions are relevant to sociology, they fall within the broader scope of understanding societal patterns rather than serving as the central focus. Additionally, studying human biology and psychology pertains more closely to the fields of biology and psychology themselves, which analyze individual behavior primarily from a biological or psychological standpoint, rather than from a social perspective.