Question

What are some of the ways you can apply the ‘sociological imagination’ you have gained in this course to help you better understand your everyday life? Discuss two or three examples where you might now look at culture differently.

Answer 1

The concept of sociological imagination was given by the American sociologist Mills in 1959. In essence, Sociological imagination is a viewpoint on life that attempts to interrupt the surface level thoughts. It involves an individual evolving a deep understanding of one’s being is a consequence of wider landscape of society.

This view therefore encourages us to stop focusing on oneself alone and to look at the larger social context that surrounds us. The application of this view is to start thinking divergently about even daily activities. Basically, the concept of sociological imagination proposes that one must consider why things are done the way they are. It also persuades us to try to understand who we are as individuals in a context i.e. we are shaped by everything that surrounds us – family, friends, media, society, religion, government etc.

One can apply such a perspective by:

1. Careful attention to all levels of analysis – there are multiple layers of systems that surround an individual. The first layer is the microsystem (immediate environment – family). The second is macrosystem (social connections – friends, relatives). The third is exosystem (indirect environment – school, local neighbourhood, church). The fourth is macrosystem (social and cultural values of the society – patriarchy, government, laws). Each of these four levels have a bidirectional effect on the individual. Each system influences everything that a individual is and does.

2. Wider approach of thinking – There are certain characteristics of particular cultures/societies that can give a fresh perspective on why things are done in a particular way there. To apply sociological imagination in daily life such wide scope of thinking and knowledge is essential.

3. Challenge oneself – whenever attributing any cause to a behaviour, think for a moment and challenge yourself to take a different perspective on the matter. For instance, it is a common tendency to attribute one’s own success to internal attributes like hard work and intelligence. Next time you succeed in a task try to think about the external factors that may have played a role in the same. Such factors could be – access to resources that helped achieve the goal, social support from friends and family etc.

4. Observe – One must learn to carefully observe the influence of external factors on an individual or an issue. Some things might be further delved into to grasp a better understanding. Once you start observing, it will become apparent that almost any behavior can have a sociological imagination application. Something like drinking alcohol could be examined from several different perspectives:

· Alcohol consumption can be seen as a means of enjoyment and pleasure.

· It can also be seen as a coping mechanism to deal with stressors of life.

· It can be further considered as a norm in a culture where everyone drinks.

· Consuming alcohol may be considered an addictive behaviour, perceived negatively.

· Alcohol consumption can be seen as a must social activity in celebrations or special occasions.

Other examples are:

Normally the following perspectives of marriage would be prevalent:

· Marriage is a social construct.

· Marriage is the end-product of love.

· People marry because the society tells them to do so.

· Marriage is important in a monogamy culture.

· Marriage legalises a relationship hence is important for a civilised man.

· Marriage makes a person happier and more satisfied in life.

· One marries to escape the fear of loneliness.

But in a Hindu Culture, the perspectives taken on marriage would be:

· Marriage is the connection between two souls.

· Marriage involves two families rather than two individuals.

· Monogamy is essential in a marriage.

· Marriage is necessary to raise children.

Meditation in Buddhist culture:

· Mediation is spiritual in nature.

· Meditation is for well -being and relaxation.

· Meditation is a way to salvation.

· Meditation requires considerable concentration and will power.

· A person who mediates is considered more conscious of self.

· Meditation is a therapeutic technique.

Veganism in a low-socio economic society:

· Veganism is considered pursuit of the privileged.

· Veganism is impossible to follow in certain cultures.

· Veganism has become a trend more than a lifestyle choice.

To conclude, using a sociological imagination lets one look at themselves and their culture as a third-party observer. The objective is not to be distant, but rather see yourself as part of a greater social system.

Hope this helps!