Definition Sociological Imagination - Report Example

This paper looks at sociological imagination, unemployment and its impact, and the association between personal occurrences and the social effect of unemployment. A number of studies indicate that unemployment affects an individual personally and the whole community. In addition, sociological imagination tries to explain social results from the point of view of social actions, actors, and social context (Mills, 1959). This helps to explain how unemployment may lead to several results, for example, crime, deviance, poverty, among other vices.

Also, this paper illustrates how sociological imagination helps to perceive things or circumstances socially, how these things interrelate, and how they impact each other.IntroductionThe sociological imagination refers to the capacity to perceive things or events socially and the manner they relate and impact one another. An individual has to move away from a circumstance and perceive things from a different viewpoint. Sociological imagination requires a person to move from one point of view to a different one. In C. Wright Mills's view, individuals frequently presume that their existence can only be understood in relation to their accomplishments and shortcomings.

They do not relate their lives to situations in their society (Mills, 1959). This paper will look at unemployment and the relation between personal experiences and the social effect of unemployment.Unemployment is a concern that has one of the most direct and tremendous effects on individuals. A large number of persons depend on their incomes to gain a sense of personal success and establish their standard of living. People who are unemployed or have lost their employment opportunities have a low standard of living, have decreased self-esteem, and are uncertain and anxious about their future existence.

In addition, persons who are not able to secure employment opportunities do not participate in the economic provision of services and the production of goods (Jureidini & Poole, 2002). This makes them a burden to the economy and causes a negative impact on the quality of life and the development of a nation, in general. As a result, and not surprisingly, unemployment has become one of the most excitable topics in all the national assemblies and governments of the world.In addition, there are a number of factors that have an impact on unemployment.

One, there is the economic aspect. A large number of organizations are locking out applicants because the economic status has significantly declined. This means employing additional people may put the organizations in danger. It may be argued that these organizations presume they may not be able to meet the financial demands of the applicants. Two relate to the political component. A country that is not politically stable may suffer economic difficulties. This means that numerous organizations will not be willing to employ new workers.

Finally, the environmental aspect may also contribute to unemployment levels. Individuals may find it demanding to gain employment if they are found in or reside in areas where organizations are not willing to set up their operations (Jureidini & Poole, 2002). The impacts of unemployment may be visible in the characters and lifestyles of people. Individuals who are not able to find jobs reside in areas that are distant from where organizations are established, for example, slum areas or rural areas.

These people find it extremely strenuous to meet their everyday requirements, for example, shelter, food, and clothing. A large number of the unemployed population may also not get three meals a day. Also, the mode of dressing of unemployed individuals highlights their miserable state of living (Macionis, 1991). In addition, workers may lose their employment skills in the event they experience an extended duration of being unemployed. The loss of skills may also contribute to decreasing or loss of human capital.

Significant levels of unemployment can generate social challenges, for example, crime. The crime level within the economy is most likely to intensify if individuals have less income than earlier.The effect of unemployment goes beyond personal experiences to families, neighborhoods, and communities. Elevated levels of poverty and unemployment are complementary, and the features of deprived communities highlight the effects of employment. All the features of an underprivileged community, for example, minimal chances for employment, low-quality and inadequate housing, controlled access to public transportation and services, minimal recreational activities, and underfunded educational institutions contribute to the political, economic, and social segregation of communities and people (Macionis, 1991).

A person’s difficulties are personal when they take place as a result of the character of the individual. A person may be demoralized about his unemployment status and instinctively presume this status as resulting from his personal issues. This person may be labeled and condemned. An unemployed individual may find it demanding to secure an employment opportunity because of lacking precise obligations, for example, educational requirements. He may not be employed because he is the source of his problem.

This means he will continue living in deprived conditions. Conclusion Individuals may utilize their sociological imagination to query largely conventional issues, for example, unemployment, and its impact and, therefore, recognize personal experiences and public concerns as different notions of one component. It is evident that Mills believes both society and individuals have an impact on each other. Individuals help to mold society and society molds people.