Question

C. Wright Mills implored us to use our sociological imaginations by connecting our seemingly 'private troubles' to 'public issues.' In this week's essay, I'd like you to reflect on a particular 'private trouble' in your life. However, instead of thinking about this trouble--as we so often do--at the individual level (e.g. 'It is my fault', 'This is my problem,' or 'I'm the only one that can fix this'), I'd like you to use your sociological imagination by connecting its cause to the more macro-level of 'public issues.' In short, what is the social, cultural, political, and/or economic roots of this 'private trouble'? Finally, how can we, as a society, work to address this 'public issue.'

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) Sociological Imagination is a simple concept where one would consider a personal thought or action and try to equate it to a perspective on a sociological level. For instance, when one was to iron a crisp white shirt to wear at the office, it is a personal activity. However, with sociological imagination, it can be implied that this is done to present a good image at the workplace and appear a bit foppish for a certain type of acceptance in the society.

In order to add more context to this case, let use combine ‘Sociological Imagination’ with Robert K. Merton’s ‘Social Strain Theory’. Social Strain Theory suggests that there are times when society puts certain strains on us through certain expectations but doesn’t tell us how to achieve it. For instance, in society, it is ideal for an individual to have a 401k. However, society often does not tell us how to achieve that goal and sometimes does not even give one the means to achieve that goal.

Society would suggest that it is optimal for an adolescent to go to college, get a 4.0 GPA, have a good internship and a healthy social life. However, society does not tell us how to be sprightly enough to actually exert ourselves to achieve all of that. Furthermore, society does not offer the means to spend long hours studying, working as an intern, enjoying a good social life and getting enough rest. It seems like one would have to sacrifice something to gain another thing that society wants us to get.

Not having the energy to attend a networking event after spending hours on a class paper is a personal issue. However, with sociological imagination, one could assume that it is the society that has certain expectations of us, which is why we exert ourselves to fulfil expectations.