What is sociological perspective/imagination Give one example - Essay Example

Sociological Perspective/Imagination The sociological imagination (perspective) is a term that was first said by sociologist C. Wright Mills in 1959. The term refers to ideas and thoughts that are made within the context of sociology. While the term has been used in many textbook and research papers, there are many disagreements or different interpretations based on a variety of different views of the term. Still, all the understandings of the term occur within the notion that the sociological imagination is that which is a view of the world based on sociology.

In these regards, the sociological imagination extends between small-scale views of the world to macro concerns. This perspective also involves both political and psychological perspectives on the nature of society. It is also a perspective that investigates things about society, how people interact, and how they influence each other. Essentially, all things that fall under the auspice of sociology are also part of the sociological imagination. There are many examples of the sociological imagination.

For instance, the examination of religion falls under the sociological imagination. The sociological perspective would consider why masses of individuals choose to follow a specific religion over another religion, or why society chooses to embrace religion at all. Another example of the sociological imagination occurs in terms of social networks. The sociological perspective seeks to understand how specific groups of people interact in social contexts. For instance, the sociological imagination might argue that specific kinship relations within a community are based on achieving prestige or financial goals.