The basic assumption of sociology posits that

• A. The primary causes of behavior are biological in nature.
• B. All human behaviors are shaped by society and social circumstances.
• C. Economic incentives solely drive actions.
• D. Personal experiences alone determine conduct.

Answer: (B)

Behavior is shaped by the social environment. Sociology treats people as embedded in networks of norms, roles, institutions, and social processes that guide choices and actions. The idea that all human behaviors are shaped by society and social circumstances best captures this view, because it foregrounds social influence as a determining factor in how people think and act across different contexts. While biology or personal experiences can influence behavior, sociology argues that behavior cannot be understood apart from the social context in which it occurs. The other notions—focusing only on biology, on economic incentives, or on individual experiences—miss the pervasive role of social structures in shaping conduct.