The Operation of Sociological Imagination - Essay Example

Sociological Imagination During 1959, CW Mills wrote that "people often feel that their private lives are a series of traps." Accordingly, the specific reason why people feel trapped is their limited perception of what is happening in their personal lives. Mills argued that "their visions and their powers are limited to the close-up scenes of job, family [and] neighbourhood," and are not able to fully understand the greater sociological patterns related to their private troubles. Underlying this feeling of being trapped are the seemingly uncontrollable and continuous changes to society.

Almost 50 years has passed since Mills had prescribed solutions to these "traps" which he called sociological imagination. He strongly argued that the sociological imagination will free people from traps as it 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." However, the present day situation in the global community proves that the operation of sociological imagination was not able to lift the trap engulfing individuals.

Or stating otherwise, people are not yet aware of the sociological imagination which can help them better understand their personal, social, and historical dimensions of their lives. This thesis is further supported by real world examples. During 2004, the Life Matters broadcast proved that present-day women experiences tension regarding their perceived housekeeping responsibilities. Programs like these features discussions which focus on the rising pervasiveness of domestic advice and support services.

These women feel that they are trapped being a house maker and cannot cope with their required responsibilities. Sociologist Susan Maushart further argued that these situations resulted as women became confused with the achievements attained by feminism and cultural expectations that women are house makers. Any of us is not exempted to these traps. The farmer which produces apples from the orchard may feel that he is trapped as his produce is not selling well. He feels trapped because his income is not enough to support his growing family.

However, his mind is focused on his own affairs disregarding the various developments in the global market. He cannot relate his own issue with the rapid integration of international markets which is facilitated by the elimination of trade barriers and technological advances. His mind is not able to grasp that more efficient producers from China are able to export apples at a much lower price which are more attractive in the domestic and foreign market. The most obvious illustration of the continuing existence of traps in the current day situation is the presence of people struggling within themselves.

The existence of poverty, oppression, prejudice, injustice, immorality, discrimination, and terrorism highlights the fact that individuals are not yet free from the clutches of "self limitation." The view that the scope of problem is limited within their immediate surroundings instills that people are incapable of changing their larger environment. Do we still feel trapped Yes, we still feel trapped as we have not yet learned to understand that ourselves are but only a small milieu of an integrated whole.

ReferencesMills, CW. "The Promise." The Sociological Imagination. 1959. nd