Assess The Importance Of Sociological Imagination

Growing up one’s environment tends to play as a factor in the way people go about things in life. People’s lives are shaped by society. People in different areas see things differently and depending on the length of residency in that area makes a difference in their outlook. Sociological imagination enables individuals to look outside their private sphere of consciousness and identify the structures in society that influence or cause their personal experiences. By taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, one can understand their place in society and explain the circumstance in terms of societal influence. In Kearny, NJ according the city data the population in 2014 was 41,837. Population changed since 2000 increasing by 3.3%. There were 21,084 males and 20,753 females, with the median resident age of 37.3 years old. The estimated median household income in 2015 was $60,808 which was $47,757 in 2000. The median gross rent in 2015 was $1,225 and the …show more content…
Wright Mills in 1959. Sociological imagination refers to the relationship between individual troubles and the large social forces that are the driving forces behind them. “The sociological imagination is an empowering tool. It allows us to look beyond a limited understanding of human behavior to see the world and its people in a new way and through a broader lens than we might otherwise use” (Schaefer, 2016, pg. 3) Using my developing sociological imagination helps me understand social climates that shape people in different geographic areas by making them both the same and different. Sociological imagination allows me to go beyond personal experiences and observations to understand broader public issues. People’s lives are shaped by society. They become accustomed to different things and try to stay in trend. One’s society plays a role in one’s personality and the way they might live their lives. My sociological imagination led me to where I am