The sociological imagination is a concept proposed by C Wright Mills in the mid-20th century. It lies in the idea of how to place a person and his ability to influence the world in a social context. Thus, Mills describes the sociological imagination as the ability to link the personal problems of a particular individual with major social issues (Mills, 1959). While other sociologists focused on functionalism and understanding society as a system, Mills was looking for ways to find contact between systems and people. That is why he wanted to find a practical and casual application of sociological knowledge so that people could use it to influence the world around them (Mills, 1959). The sociological imagination is an approach to seeing the world around us that allows people to make a transition in consciousness from the personal to the social and political.
Mills led the development of personal, which are related to human interpersonal relationships, and public problems, which are beyond the control of people. Personal and social problems are not two non-overlapping categories; they can merge if the personal experiences of many people coincide (Mills, 1959). That is why studying and using sociological imagination is utterly important in a democratic society. This allows people to find like-minded people and those who share joint pains and difficulties. Problems exist not only in relation to one person but are the result of personal biography colliding with the context of society determined by the historical process (Mills, 1959). Sociological imagination allows people to separate themselves from personal experiences and constructively consider the problem in a broader context.
The vicissitudes of each person’s life can be learned to be seen in a social context, including one’s own. From my experience as a person living in public housing, the minor problem is not perpetuated by me but more likely neighbors’ troubles that tend to affect everyone living in my development. It’s a problem of dog owners allowing their pets to defecate in the elevator without cleaning up. Everyone was having discomfort entering the elevator until a camera was installed, and fines were issued for that to stop. People often do not think about how little “oh well, I do not care, or it does not bother me, so it will not border or affect others’ is most of the time harmful to others. However, maintaining a culture of cleanliness in public spaces is a common problem that must be addressed at the level of education, upbringing, culture, and laws.
The sociological imagination allows you to see the context, identify common problems and understand where the simple can put their efforts. Society should nurture this concept in children as early as possible, as they tend to explore the world and compare their experiences with the surrounding realities. For instance, my daughter went to Africa when she was seven years old. She came back with an empty suitcase giving all her clothes to homeless kids there. She then created a non-profit organization called “Need What You Don’t” on Facebook, where we collected stuff (clothes, shoes, toys, furniture) that people were going to trash and ship them overseas for people who needed them. My daughter could see a context, an unpleasant scene that shapes her decision-making that helps other individuals better their lives. Sociological imagination is valuable and necessary because it allows individuals and society a better meaningful self and community. In addition, it will enable us to stop living in a passive and selfish way and be more mindful of each other.
Sociology is essential for society in that it studies its laws and dynamics of development and points out problems and existing potentials for their resolution. Sociological imagination makes it possible to connect scientific knowledge with a person’s personal experience and point the way to a specific practical action that can influence the world around. I believe that sociology touches every aspect of the life of every human being, including their interaction with institutions and the environment. Some examples of sociology include studying racial issues, gender dynamics, phenomena and feelings around entertainment, the structure of different social institutions, and the development of other social movements. Mills’ concept allows us to identify better and question various aspects of society rather than passively living in it. Those who can exercise sociological imagination are better equipped to make wiser personal choices. All people must learn to apply their abilities to improve human interaction in various fields and change the world for the better.
Reference
Mills, C. W. (1959). The sociological imagination. Oxford University Press. Web.