Sociology is the study of social behavior and human groups. The discipline focuses on social relationships, how those relationships influence people’s behavior and beliefs, and how societies develop and change. The study of sociology can offer insight into the self, the family, and interpersonal relationships and can foster a better understanding of how small groups and larger communities are created and maintained. Sociology can increase your knowledge of the world of politics, business, health, and the law and can help you better understand how societies can offer opportunities but also perpetuate inequalities. Sociology helps us to see and understand the larger social world or “big picture” and our place in it.