In: Psychology
What does C. Wright Mills mean when he describes sociology as the “intersection of biography and history”? What is the relationship between personal life and larger social structures described here? Be sure to use specific examples to illustrate your response.
Sociology is a complex science involving the study of human behavior and social dynamics. As human behavior is closely tied to one's personal life story as well as the history of mankind as a species, C. Wright Mills describes sociology as the "intersection of biography and history". Sociological sciences deal with a comprehensive study of the various elements that determine the framework of a society. One's personal life is closely tied to the social structures that form a society. An individual's personal life is what molds his/her character and his/her attribution to a society. At a fundamental level, an individual's behavior contributes to the basis of a societal framework. As individuals generally adhere to what is considered the "status quo' of society, more and more individuals replicate this norm. This is also known as "sociological imagination" and is closely linked to the personal decisions and actions of people. Likewise, a change in the personal life of an individual can have a mild effect on the structure of society. Humans have a tendency to mimic the behavioral patterns of their associates, this is why a new trend becomes a status quo when accepted by a certain percentage of a social structure. For example, when a new fashion trend comes into the market, it is generally ridiculed by many until they see a significant percentage of people wearing them. This urges them to adopt the trend and eventually, it becomes a part of their personal decisions. This is how personal lives and social structures are closely linked.