What is the sociological imagination?, sociology homework help

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Puhopuho

Humanities

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Complete each question between 200-210 words

1. Read CH 2 and answer discussion question below in 200 words.

What is the sociological imagination? Discuss how your life might have turned out differently had you been born in a different time period (era) or location (country or culture)

2.Read post below and respond back between 200-210 words (ex i agree) refer back to ch.2 if needed

"The sociological imagination is simply a "quality of mind" that allows one to grasp "history and biography and the relations between the two within society." For Mills the difference between effective sociological thought and that thought which fails rested upon imagination. Sociological thought, according to Mills is not something limited to professors of sociology; it is an exercise that all people must attempt." (Frank W. Elwell, 2005)

A simpler definition of sociological imagination is the vivid awarenesses of the relationship between experience and the wider society. The sociological imagination is a concept used by the American sociologist C. Wright Mills to describe the ability to "think yourself away from the familiar routines of everyday life" and look at them from an entirely new perspective.

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We will start with a simple and common example. Imagine there is a girl who wishes to look thin and fair, but somehow she cannot achieve this look. Now, this girl goes into a chronic depression and suffers from an inferiority complex. In order to be thin, she becomes anorexic and experiences severe health problems. Now, if we see this case in isolation, we will think that it's her personal problem ,and she is spoiling her life on her own. But if we apply sociological imagination, we would realize that it's the obsession of society in general for the fair skin and thin body that has indirectly affected this girl. It is the media that represents society, portrays beautiful, and desirable girls as thin and fair. This kind of representation affects many people directly or indirectly as it happened in case of this particular girl. If only few girls suffered from anorexia in society, then we could have called it an individual or personal problem. But when many girls suffer from a similar problem, then it becomes a social issue where stereotypical attitude towards women and social media needs to be scrutinized."

That is a long example, but it is one that I've seen and witnessed alot. The media puts so much on girls (and even guys) to be thin and tan and perfect. I've known many females who will go to great lengths to achieve this image just to be let down and go into a deep depression.

3.Read CH 1 and answer discussion question below in 200 words.

What are some of the major agents of socialization? Which do you think most influenced you? Why? Aside from childhood socialization, have you ever experienced other forms of socialization, such as anticipatory socialization and/or re-socialization? Explain.

4. .Read post below and respond back between 200-210 words (ex i agree) refer back to ch.1 if needed

"Socialization occurs throughout our life, but some of the most important socialization occurs in childhood. So, let's talk about the most influential agents of socialization. These are the people or groups responsible for our socialization during childhood - including family, school, peers, and mass media." (Agents of Socialization, date unknown).

Family is usually considered the most important agent of socialization. As infants, we are totally dependent on others to survive. Our parents are responsible for teaching us to function and care for ourselves. They, along with other members of the family, teach us about close relationships and how to share resources.

Schools is an important agent because it teaches us subject knowledge and teaches life skills. We not only learn following directions and meeting deadlines, but students also learn social skills through interactions with teachers and other students.

Peers relates to the school agent. Peer groups gives us the opportunity to form relationships with others on our own terms, plus learn things without the direction of an adult. Our peers have incredible amounts of influence on us when we're young. Our peers also give us the chance to develop social skills we need as adults.

Media is a relatively new agent of socialization. Media influences the way children think by reflecting social norms. Media also has a generally negative affect on children and adults because images are often constructed. Developing a negative body image is a common result of media socialization.

All of these agents of socialization have influenced me in one way or another, but the one that has influence me the most would have to be my family. I learn everything from them even up to now that I'm in my 20's. I will forever learn from my parents. Another one that influences me, though I'm not too happy to say, is the media. I have unfortunately gotten into the habit of looking at ads on social media and thinking "man, I wish I looked like her" and somehow get sucked in to the weight loss "miracles".

5. Read question 4 post and respond back to question 5 refer to ch.1 if needed complete in 200 words

I would agree - my peers and family have influenced me the most. Unfortunately social media has made me feel the same way, does the media have power to influence our behavior?

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Explanation & Answer

Attached.

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Answers to Assignment Questions
I.

Social imagination
A. Type of life in a different society

II.
III.

Response to discussion post.
Agents of socialization
A. The most influential one
B. Other forms of socialization aside from childhood

IV.

Response to discussion post.


Running head: ANSWERS TO ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

Answers to Assignment Questions
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Institution

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ANSWERS TO ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

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Answers to Assignment Questions
Question 1
Sociological imagination is the state of mind of an individual that enable him or her to
use the knowledge about history and biography to determine the link between them, as well as
their position in society. According to the opinion expressed by John Mills in a book on the same
subject, a person’s imagination is the key source for realizing the difference between what works
and those that do not as designed by the thought process used to create them. Therefore, Mills
admonished all people to develop the capacity for sociological thought rather than waiting for
professors of sociology to it for them. Personally, I might not be opportune to participate in this
class if I was born in the Middle East. The reason for this assertion is that the cultural practices
would force me into arranged marriage that would make me unhappy for the rest of my life.
Although there a lot of students from that part of the world, these are the few privileged ones that
I might not be part of due to the socio-economic condition of my parents. While this is sad, it is
the realities of most of the children in the region where radical elements are altering the lives of
young people by preventing them from schooling or indoctrination.
Question 2
The simplistic and relatable nature of the contents of your discussion post does not
belittle their relevance to the issues associated with sociological imagination. I absolutely agree
with your definition that the concept is “vivid awareness of the link between experience and the
society.” Also, the example of the imagination of young ladies and teenage girls regarding their
true self and the desired one is a classical way to simplify this important concept. The fact that
most of the decisions that people make nowadays is based on what they see on television and

ANSWERS TO ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

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social media makes the need to use sociological imagination to understand how to help this
group of the population. There is a need for advertis...


Anonymous
I was having a hard time with this subject, and this was a great help.

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