First Blog Instructions

This chapter introduces the fundamental idea that specific social contexts shape the experiences and identities of individuals.  This is the core of what is called the sociological imagination, which as C. Wright Mills noted is the intersection of biography and history.

 

Because this assignment is your introduction to “Introduction to Sociology,” I am asking you to write a blog post that examines your own life with the sociological imagination in mind--how does your biography inersect with history?  

• In a clear and structured blog post, first describe the importance of the sociological imagination in understanding the experience of individuals. You’ll obviously be using the text as a reference, but put this description in your own words to demonstrate your understanding of the concept.

• Next, examine your own life in terms of the specific social contexts (families, communities, organizations, institutions, economic, political contexts) outlined in section 2 (Why Do Social Contexts Matter?, the bulleted list on pg. 13 serves as a guide) of Chapter 1. To further shape or stimulate your thinking, you should also reflect on the questions (in the bulleted list) under the section “Sociological Questions: An Example.”  
• In your summary/conclusion, discuss how this consideration of social contexts has expanded your view of human life.

 

This post needs not be an exhaustive social-autobiography...throughout the semester, we will continue to fill in details.

 

Reference Cited

Manza, Jeff, Lynne Haney and Richard Arum

 2013 The Sociological Imagination. In The Sociology Project, edited by the NYU Sociology Department, pp 2-25. Pearson.