Sociological Imagination: Concept, Benefits, Examples

Running head: SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION: CONCEPTS, BENEFITS, EXAMPLES
SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION: CONCEPTS, BENEFITS, EXAMPLES
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SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION: CONCEPTS, BENEFITS, EXAMPLES1
The term sociological imagination was first introduced by C. Wright Mills. According
to Mills sociological imagination is recognition of individual situation and relating it with the
society (Kerr 2015). This essay focuses on how an individual has a perception of his/her own
life and understanding in the context of society. The essay is structured in one section
discussing about sociological imagination, its usage, benefits, concepts and examples related
to real life experiences.
Sociological imagination is defined as the ability of a person to view issues socially
and understand that issues and personal troubles are a result of social factors which are
affecting every individual living in it (Palmer 2017) Social factors like social norms, social
context, social structure and the other people’s act affects the social outcome. An individual
having sociological imagination is able to experience a normal situation out of his/her daily
monotonous routine by viewing from an alternative perspective in context of wider aspect.
Sociological imagination is possible when there is a connection between individual issues and
public issues (Orgad 2019). By understanding the history which made the modern society
and the people, it helps an individual to realise his/her relationship with the others in the
society.
The application of sociological imagination can be linked with everyday behaviour of
an individual. Like the term imagination, sociological imagination enables people to imagine
a daily life situation in different perspectives and analyse why it is done. A simple routine
like drinking tea or coffee in the morning can be viewed differently by different people. Some
may do it as a morning ritual because they have been doing it since a long time, some may do
it due to addiction of the caffeine, some may think it from the perspective of a healthy life
while some people can do it only for the purpose of socializing. In order to be able to use
sociological imagination one just need to step out of their own perception and view the
situations from society’s point of view. A personal issue should be viewed form the society’s