What is the systematic study of societies and human behavior referred to as?

The systematic study of societies and human behavior is referred to as sociology. Sociology examines how individuals interact within groups, the structures of social institutions, cultural norms, and the impact of societal changes on human behavior. It employs various research methods to understand social patterns, relationships, and institutions.

By focusing on society as a whole and the interactions within it, sociology provides insights into social dynamics, the development of cultural norms, and the influence of social structures on individual actions. Understanding these principles is critical for analyzing how societies operate and evolve over time.

While anthropology also studies human behavior, it does so with a broader emphasis on cultural practices and historical contexts of different societies, making it distinct from the more focused scope of sociology.