biosociology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “biosociology” mean?
The scientific study of the biological bases and influences on social behavior.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The scientific study of the biological bases and influences on social behavior.
An interdisciplinary field integrating biology and sociology to examine how biological factors (e.g., genetics, evolution, hormones) interact with and shape social structures, processes, and human interaction. It investigates topics like the evolutionary origins of social behavior, the sociobiology of groups, and the biological underpinnings of social phenomena.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or application. Potential minor spelling variations in derived forms (e.g., biosociological).
Connotations
Neutral academic term in both varieties. May carry historical connotations associated with debates around sociobiology in late 20th century.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, confined to specialized academic texts in both regions. Slightly more common in American academic publishing due to larger volume.
Grammar
How to Use “biosociology” in a Sentence
the biosociology of [noun phrase]biosociology examines/investigates/explores [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “biosociology” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Her research takes a biosociological perspective on kinship patterns.
- The biosociological approach was debated at the conference.
American English
- His biosociological analysis of aggression draws on primatology.
- The study's framework is fundamentally biosociological.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in specific interdisciplinary studies (sociology, anthropology, biology). Used in journal names, course titles, and research paper keywords.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Precise term in scholarly papers, theoretical frameworks, and academic discourse integrating life sciences and social sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “biosociology”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “biosociology”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “biosociology”
- Using it as a general term for 'social aspects of biology'.
- Confusing it with 'biopsychology' (focus on individual mind) or 'ecology'.
- Misspelling as 'bio-sociology' (the hyphenated form is less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Sociobiology is broader, often focusing on the evolutionary basis of social behavior across all species. Biosociology is typically more focused on human societies and may place greater emphasis on integrating sociological theory with biological findings.
Historically, approaches linking biology and social behavior have sparked debate regarding genetic determinism and reductionism. Modern biosociology is generally cautious, emphasizing interaction between biological predispositions and social/cultural environments.
Primarily in Sociology, Anthropology, and sometimes in Biology or Psychology departments, particularly those with interdisciplinary programmes in human sciences or evolutionary studies.
Yes, biosociological perspectives can inform research on topics like the effects of stress on communities, the social implications of genetic screening, or the evolutionary roots of in-group/out-group dynamics relevant to conflict.
The scientific study of the biological bases and influences on social behavior.
Biosociology is usually academic / technical in register.
Biosociology: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪəʊˌsəʊsiˈɒlədʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪoʊˌsoʊsiˈɑːlədʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BIOlogy + SOCIOLOGY = BIOSOCIOLOGY. Imagine a scientist using a microscope (biology) to study a diagram of a social network (sociology).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS AN ORGANISM (with biological foundations and evolutionary drivers).
Practice
Quiz
Which field is most closely aligned with biosociology?