1 Your Name Intro. to Sociology Chapter One Analysis of The Sociological Imagination by C. Wright Mills C. Wright Mills begins The Sociological Imagination with his thesis that modern day man feels trapped within his own life, because of his lack of sociological imagination. Sociological imagination “enables its possessor to understand the larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life and the external career of a variety of individuals” (Mills, 1959: 5). Mills states that most individuals are unable to see that their immediate lives are directly and greatly affected by what is happening in the world around them. The successes and failures of individuals subsequently become the successes and failures of societies. Mills goes on to state that an understanding of personal fate means an understanding of history and vice versa. However, the majority of modern individuals are incapable of realizing the connection between human history and their own individual lives. This is the reason they feel trapped and confused. The consequence of industrialization and interconnectivity of the world is that individuals are unable to escape the effects of world events. Mills states that this is a new phenomenon, since in the past it was possible to be relatively unaffected by events happening across the globe. He explains that because of global modernization, instead of divided and separate societies having limited and occasional interactions, the world is now one large society 2 interacting constantly. The world is changing rapidly, and modern man is unable to keep up. Mills also argues that because of this rapid growth and development of modern society, man is unable to find moral centeredness, and therefore retreats into himself and his private issues. Mills goes on to say that to incorporate the understanding of sociological imagination means to comprehend how and what historical events shape individuals’ lives. And from this understanding comes the ability for the individuals to self-actualize their own troubles, and in turn become involved in their own circles of influence. Mills then explains the rewards for achieving sociological imagination. The first “lesson” is realizing and becoming aware of one’s own place within society. Every man belongs to a larger group of individuals who are in his exact same circumstance. This awareness allows a better understanding of his realistic chances of achievement or failure. Mills then gives examples of famous sociologists and philosophers who all employ sociological imagination within their works, and therefore emphasizing the importance of its’ understanding and implementation within the study of individuals and society. The ability to use sociological imagination means to understand how the separate distinct parts work to create a cohesive whole. The ability to “shift perspectives”, as Mills states, is an outcome of having sociological imagination. It is the ability to shift 3 perspectives from individual lives, to family structure, to communities, to societies, to nations, and subsequently to the entire human world. By having sociological imagination, people can begin to develop a new, and perhaps more accurate, way of thinking about themselves and their role within the world around them. As a psychology student, I understand the importance of self-awareness and selfanalysis. However, this is a uniquely inward and individualistic practice of viewing life. Mills’ argument is increasingly valid, even with the ever-increasing technological world. It is important as members of society, to not just look inward when considering our motivations and causes, but to look outward at the people and lives surrounding us. Every human experience is interconnected, and it will only benefit individuals to become more aware of their human surroundings. I find Mills exploration of the sociological imagination fascinating, and I am interested to read the rest of his work. Works Cited Mills, C. Wright. The Sociological Imagination. Oxford University Press, 1959.
