Sociology is the study of individuals in a society–a group who share a common culture and territory–and their behaviors influenced by it: subtopics include social classes, ethnic/culture, families, gender/sexual orientation, and religion.

Sociology is a part of the social sciences, so sociologists use empirical evidence in a systematic way where observations are combined into theories and facts to help understand how the world works; this is rooted in the positive theory, meaning that it is objective and fact based. In addition, sociologists use quantitative (statistical measuring) and qualitative (factual characterizing) techniques to research their topic, using micro (individual level) and macro (societal level) observations.

 The structure of society is completely dependent on its members, therefore, sociology is important because it helps people understand how social groups form, why these groups preserve or change, and how they alter the world around them. The answers to these questions provide explanations for what benefits and weakens society; knowing what aids and hurts society allows for modifications that help improve it. Similarly, but contrastingly, a person’s life and choices are influenced by their social location, or their classified social class, race, gender, and religion, as one’s social location can limit their choices and impact what they learn about society and themself.