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
difficult to achieve because individuals would often struggle to see past their own agency and look at the issue at hand from a larger scale (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). However, he believed it was precisely this type of mindset that was needed to understand the sociological imagination (Furze et al. 2015,p.9).

According to Mills, the three main concepts needed to comprehend the sociological imagination was the understanding of biography, history and society (Furze et al.
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.
2015,p.6).

Throughout the curse of history many societies have established different ideas of the sociological imagination that was relevant to their time (Furze et al.
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
inclusion that has to be achieved. Thus, resulting in a more accurate reflection of biography, history and society (Furze et al. 2015,p.6).

Having the ability to recognize the sociological imagination promotes a higher level of critical thinking. It allows for a more reflective view, of what is occurring in society that is relative to that exact moment in time (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). In addition to promoting critical thinking, the sociological imagination is a necessary tool in connecting personal issues to social structure (Furze et al. 2015,p.6). Explaining the relationship that an individual shares with that society and placing them in conjunction to that society.

Furthermore, it is important that individuals are able to relate issues they face in their daily lives to others with in that society (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). Allowing them to examine whether, their personal issue is isolated or if there is others that face the same reality (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). Without the ability to make these connections individuals are unable to see issues within the social structure that could directly or indirectly affect them (Furze et al. 2015,p.6). Consequently, resulting in a lack of judgment needed to determine if these issues require structural change of that society to better their everyday lives.

In conclusion, there is no denying that an individual is greatly influenced by external factors that are present within their society (Furze et al. 2015,p.6). However, to what extent these external factors have a direct connect, is difficult to determine without the understanding of the sociological imagination (Furze et al. 2015,p.9). The sociological imagination is essential in demonstrating how an individual views social structures, relationship between themselves and others in society as well as society itself.