sociological

adjective so·cio·log·i·cal \ ˌsō-sē-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl , ˌsō-sh(ē-)ə- \

variants: or less commonly sociologic play \ˌsō-sē-ə-ˈlä-jik, ˌsō-sh(ē-)ə-\

|Updated on: 6 Jul 2018

Definition of sociological

1 : of or relating to sociology or to the methodological approach of sociology

2 : oriented or directed toward social needs and problems

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sociologically

play \ˌsō-sē-ə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē, ˌsō-sh(ē-)ə-\ adverb

See sociological defined for kids

Recent Examples of sociological from the Web

The second is a theatrical version of Barbara Ehrenreich’s nonfiction book, Nickeled and Dimed, an undercover sociological study of living and working on the U.S. minimum wage.

— nicole sperling, HWD, "The Filmmaker Who Discovered Jennifer Lawrence Has Found a New Star in Leave No Trace," 26 June 2018
Using substantial scientific data, sociological research, and anecdotal evidence, Dusenbery sheds light on the medical gender bias: a deeply ingrained, widespread issue that prevents women from receiving adequate medical care.

— nina maclaughlin, BostonGlobe.com, "Bobbie’s Meadow to open at Carle museum; local groups get NEA grants," 15 June 2018
Taking into account disparities in income and occupational opportunity, education, health care, political empowerment and other sociological factors, Japan had the worst standing among the Group of Seven major economies.

— Washington Post, "Dad takes Japan Inc. to court alleging paternity harassment," 6 June 2018
The bold new show about an old art form looks at its complex historical, political and sociological underpinnings.

— roger catlin, Smithsonian, "Rarely Seen 19th-Century Silhouette of a Same-Sex Couple Living Together Goes On View," 25 May 2018
The three cases within the Fringe show are based on first-person accounts, and the production takes on a sociological bent by examining the lingering effects on the eyewitnesses.

— dewayne bevil, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Review: 'Ghosts Among Us' - Orlando Fringe 2018," 20 May 2018
The Atlantic piece takes a more sociological approach, looking at assortative mating, geographical self-sorting, and educational legacy and privilege.

— alan murray, Fortune, "Net Neutrality, Japanese Tariffs, Tencent Results: CEO Daily for May 17, 2018," 17 May 2018
The heavily sociological focus, similar to other stories searching for audiences all over Europe and North Africa, is distinguished by a strongly individual directing style that focuses tension on the young protags.

— deborah young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Sheherazade': Film Review | Cannes 2018," 14 May 2018
The book — a mix of journalism, essays and academic research — is a sociological, historical tome that looks at democracy and art in postcolonial Guyana through the lens of identity and free speech during Guyana’s 2015 election year.

— darcel rockett, chicagotribune.com, "How does one respond to racist, xenophobic populism? Art plays a part, says Natalie Hopkinson.," 25 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sociological.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.