C. Wright Mills invented the concept of sociological imagination in 1959. Mills defined sociological imaginative as the ability to make sense of oneself and to connect with others. This covers how we see events and situations in a wider context to understand how they affect our lives and actions (Conley 2017. Sociological imagination, or just the ability to view reality in a different way, refers to the person as well as the society and habitat. It is also known as thinking outside of the box. It helps to understand how and why something happens.
Tea is a good example of sociological imagination. It’s a daily ritual for many people to have tea every day at a certain time. It is a way to maintain good health. The influence of caffeine has led to a shift in how people socialize. People might consider it a type drug as it contains caffeine. Sociologists study almost all aspects of human behavior. They focus on the individual’s cultural and social structures. Social researchers have been concerned about how individuals’ behaviors influence the behavior and attitudes of larger groups. Consider the behavior of individuals within groups. It all boils down to how people relate and adapt to one area or another.
Lifestyle factors are responsible for most diseases and health problems. Sociological research examines how social conditions and their effects on our health. Sociologists study the effects of these factors on health and provide solutions. Social structures are things that are created and active regardless of whether an individual cooperates or not. A law is an example. Laws are made by men and are uninfluenced by the opinions of one person. The law is meant limit the activities of individuals and to be followed. These laws are therefore not a result of sociological imagination.
Health outcomes are affected by identity and experience. Sociology helps one understand the world and how they perceive it. How others view you and how you feel about yourself directly impacts how you can manage your health issues. These social and personal influences have an effect on how lifestyle factors develop. Understanding why people smoke, use drugs, become stressed, develop eating disorders, and eventually become obese is important.
An individual’s identity is the collection of characteristics that are socially recognized and used to identify them as part of a group. Every person is unique. We all have our own traits and behaviors. This is what is called individuality. The social and personal construction of identity are both social and personal. Identity construction takes time and is affected by our environment, how we hear or see it, the responses we receive from other people, and many other factors.
Our social influences include our family, friends, role models, school, media, and other organizations. Our gender, race and ethnicity will determine our social and political power. This directly impacts how we are treated and who we choose to be friends with. It also affects the type of jobs that educated people are able to get. This is what defines us. One who is treated poorly and condemned will be arrogant. The best and worst of us can be brought out by social influences.
Different people are affected by being sick. Some people are able and others cannot (Lindner 2013, Lindner). The stigmatization of many illnesses is common, epilepsy being one example. The stigma attached to these conditions is not recognized by the public. They feel less accepted and inferior in society. It can be difficult to fully present oneself when you’re afraid and vulnerable about experiencing seizures suddenly. Societies teach you to control your behavior and any deviation from this will result in shameful and humiliating feelings.
Grusec & Hastings explains that socialization is the adaptation and behavior of people to conform to society’s norms. Different cultures have different beliefs and customs. People are from different parts of the world. Cultures attempt to pass on their traditions and values to the next generation. Every country has its own way of teaching their young people. For instance, Americans teach their young that they can believe in their power, while Japanese youngsters believe in groupwork and help (Grusec & Hastings, 2015). A person who believes in a particular culture is likely to hold a particular faith. This could be a key factor in defining their beliefs. They act and think in ways that are acceptable to their religion. They can come up creative ways to live in harmony with their faith, such as Islam affecting Muslim countries.
The social structure refers to the organization of people into predictable relationships. (Rusche & Kirchheimer, 1968). Culture can help people fit in to larger groups. Religion is a collection of beliefs that answers questions about human existence. It is a social institution which affects how people react to various situations. Religion has the ability to control people through the imposition of morals and rules that promote a healthy society (Rusche & Kirchheimer, 1968). Individuals can freely express their faith when they are part of a group. It promotes social solidarity and a shared belief system.
Socialization refers to the way we interact with one another. Your perception of yourself and your opinions about you can have a huge impact on who you are and what you consider your place in society. Today, it is rare for someone with low income or disadvantaged to become friends with someone wealthy. This person will have to socialize with others of the same status. Socialization helps people become the person they want to be. Because they learn from their families and peers, these patterns of human behavior are ingrained in them. This helps them to build a social network that is reflective of who they are.
