Society, however, cannot be simplified down to such a broad definition. Human behavior, similarly, is a complex term that cannot be evaluated through psychological and/or biological perspectives alone.
When we look at the concept of “human behavior” from a sociological context, we can observe that individuals, as social beings, do not operate alone in the world. Rather, they act, interact and react to other individuals around them. This process of social interaction, by which individuals learn the social codes of their group, or society, is called socialization. Therefore, we can say that human behavior is always influenced by social interaction; the exchange of beliefs, experiences and ideas within a society. Societal interaction is a two-way street. It is individuals who in their behavior, values and way of thinking shape society, but it is the whole of individuals, the group, which shapes how these individuals socialize.
French sociologist, Emile Durkheim said that society is “external and coercive” (1964:2). In external, Durkheim was referring to the great influence society has over individuals, and argued that it is something larger than the individuals who compose it, a whole bigger than the sum of his parts, so to speak. According to Durkheim, society shapes individuals’ entire experience of life.
The coerciveness of society, by Durkheim, comes from outside as well as from within. Each society constitutes a set of norms (rules of behavior appropriate in different situations) (Parkinson& Drislane, 1992) and values (broad principles of behavior and moral standards) (Parkinson& Drislane, 1992). Special organizations are then set up in order to enforce those rules and punishments are administered to the disobeyers.
The fact that each society has its own rules about proper social interaction, what is considered criminal activity and who is allowed to vote – to name a few, suggests that each society has different values and that human behavior is different in different societies, according not only to biological or psychological factors, but sociological factors as well.
In conclusion, it is obvious that human behavior is a broad term which cannot be unraveled by biological or psychological explanations alone and that social interaction and therefore sociological ideas lie at the essence of human behavior. Therefore, a more eclectic approach may be taken to look at such complex and expansive issues.
In examining how human behavior is affected by biological, psychological and sociological influences, let us look at the example of an elementary school child with learning disabilities. A biological perspective would emphasize a genetic predisposition for the disability, e.g. minimal brain damage. Psychologists may suggest that the child’s only way of receiving attention from his parents is by being a “problematic child” who needs help with his homework, and therefore his disabilities are reinforced. A sociologist would look at the child’s place in society, how does his society treat children with learning disabilities? Should he be shameful? Is he encouraged by others? The particular social structure of the child’s society- the way individuals within his group relate to each other, together with his culture – predominately its values and perhaps religion are a great influence on how this child will confront his problems and succeed or fail in minimizing his learning disabilities.
References
Parkinson, G. & Drislane, R. (1996) Exploring Society, Pathways in Sociology. Toronto, Canada: Harcourt Canada
