Mills Model Of Sociological Imagination
What is the sociological imagination? Draw on Mills's model to describe it, and explain how it can improve our understanding of our lives and our social world.
The sociological imagination is a concept that immerged when the scientific, democratic and industrial revolution pushed individuals to think about the idea of society from a complete different perspective (Furze et al. 2015,p.10). American sociologist C. Wright defined the term ‘sociological imagination’ as an individual’s ability to recognise the connection between personal troubles and social structures (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). A main idea, connected to his theory is the importance of developing quality of mind (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). Mills argued that this quality of mind was …show more content…
2015,p.9). Mills stated that through this unique way of thinking, individuals would be able to position themselves in accordance to one’s own reality (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). By this he meant in terms of social and historical context, which would directly link personal experiences to structural and historical powers (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). Thereby, illustrating how individuals are placed in a particular society and to what extent that society affects them personally (Furze et al. …show more content…
2015,p.10). However, It wasn’t until Mills came along in the 1950’s and gave an inspiring meaning to the term that it became a foundation for sociology (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). This is precisely why, Mills’ definition was unique and revolutionary. Although, his perspective was undoubtedly pivotal in revolutionizing the sociological imagination, it still faced a fair amount of criticism (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). The most common criticism of Mills’ theory was the lack of inclusion, as he only acknowledged men when talking about what it meant to recognize one’s self in society (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). For instance, when discussing the sociological imagination Mills refers to the industrialization of society, mainly focusing on how it affected men (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). Elaborating on how men are able to achieve social mobility with in that society by a peasant becoming a worker, a feudal lord taking the role of a businessman etc. (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). Mills gives little to no recognition to their female counterparts, apart from their role as a wife and mother.
In order to add greater value to the study of sociology, first there needs a broader view of how individual are interconnected to their society (Furze et al. 2015,p.6). To observe this connection between personal agency and social structure, a certain level of
The sociological imagination is a concept that immerged when the scientific, democratic and industrial revolution pushed individuals to think about the idea of society from a complete different perspective (Furze et al. 2015,p.10). American sociologist C. Wright defined the term ‘sociological imagination’ as an individual’s ability to recognise the connection between personal troubles and social structures (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). A main idea, connected to his theory is the importance of developing quality of mind (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). Mills argued that this quality of mind was …show more content…
2015,p.9). Mills stated that through this unique way of thinking, individuals would be able to position themselves in accordance to one’s own reality (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). By this he meant in terms of social and historical context, which would directly link personal experiences to structural and historical powers (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). Thereby, illustrating how individuals are placed in a particular society and to what extent that society affects them personally (Furze et al. …show more content…
2015,p.10). However, It wasn’t until Mills came along in the 1950’s and gave an inspiring meaning to the term that it became a foundation for sociology (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). This is precisely why, Mills’ definition was unique and revolutionary. Although, his perspective was undoubtedly pivotal in revolutionizing the sociological imagination, it still faced a fair amount of criticism (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). The most common criticism of Mills’ theory was the lack of inclusion, as he only acknowledged men when talking about what it meant to recognize one’s self in society (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). For instance, when discussing the sociological imagination Mills refers to the industrialization of society, mainly focusing on how it affected men (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). Elaborating on how men are able to achieve social mobility with in that society by a peasant becoming a worker, a feudal lord taking the role of a businessman etc. (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). Mills gives little to no recognition to their female counterparts, apart from their role as a wife and mother.
In order to add greater value to the study of sociology, first there needs a broader view of how individual are interconnected to their society (Furze et al. 2015,p.6). To observe this connection between personal agency and social structure, a certain level of