What area of study is primarily concerned with human behavior in social contexts?

The area of study that is primarily concerned with human behavior in social contexts is sociology. Sociology examines how individuals interact with one another and the structures that shape these interactions, such as culture, social institutions, and group dynamics. This field provides a deeper understanding of how social factors influence behavior, relationships, and societal change.

While psychology does focus on human behavior, it primarily examines the individual and the mental processes that underlie emotions, thoughts, and actions, often in isolation from larger social impacts. Political science studies systems of governance and political behavior, which may involve human behavior but from a distinct angle focusing on power, policy, and institutions. Economics analyzes how individuals and groups allocate resources and make decisions, often centered around markets and financial systems, rather than the broader social interactions and cultural norms that sociology explores.