Write a 2-3 page essay in which you utilize the sociological imagination to better understand the personal experiences of those around you and how they are connected to larger societal ideas and values.
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Introduction
Picture yourself walking down the street. Looking around, you notice several homeless people. What are your initial thoughts upon seeing this? How do you explain what you are observing?
In attempting to understand social behavior, sociologists rely on a particular type of critical thinking. C. Wright Mills described such thinking as the sociological imagination. The sociological imagination is an awareness of the relationship between an individual and the wider society. As Mills saw it, society (not people’s personal failings) is the cause of homelessness and other social problems. The sociological imagination is essentially seeing personal problems as public issues. It enables us to understand how they are affected by broad features of the society in which they live—to go beyond personal experiences and observations to understand broader public issues.
In the example above, we may assume that someone is homeless due to some personal failing, but instead, it could be the cause of larger societal issues, such as the high cost of housing. For this assessment, you will describe a current issue or social problem in your field and apply the sociological imagination to this issue.
Reference
Mills, C. W. (1959). The Sociological Imagination. Oxford University Press.
Preparation
Review the suggested resources for this assessment. Note that Chapter 1 of the Sociology: The Essentials textbook provides useful background information and details about the sociological imagination.
Instructions
For this assessment, write a 2–3 page essay in which you utilize the sociological imagination to better understand the personal experiences of those around you and how they are connected to larger societal ideas and values. Address the following:
- Describe a current issue or social problem.
o You may use an issue or problem in the field you are currently working in or from your field of study. For example, if your field is health care, then you could look at the low levels of health insurance by some populations in the United States.
- Explain how the issue or social problem is oftentimes considered to be an individual personal problem.
- Explain how sociological imagination could be used to better understand and explain the issue or social problem.
o How is this issue or social problem connected to larger societal issues?
o Be sure to discuss the connection to the larger societal causes.
- Explain the impact this issue or social problem has on the field and those that work in that field.
o Discuss how using your sociological imagination could help you better collaborate with others in your field and work to challenge stereotypes about different groups.
Be sure to write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Additional Requirements
Your Word document submission should meet the following requirements:
- Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
- Citations: Include both in-text citations and a references list of your sources. Review Evidence and APA for more information on how to cite your sources.
- Number of References: Citing at least one course resource is required. Any additional sources are optional.
- Length: 2–3 double-spaced pages of content in addition to the title page and reference page.
- Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
Review the assessment scoring guide for details on how your assessment will be graded.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 1: Demonstrate how scientific methods or sociological principles are used to study society.
o Explain how the issue or social problem is oftentimes considered to be an individual personal problem.
o Explain how sociological imagination could be used to better understand and explain the issue or social problem.
- Competency 2: Explain how collaboration is improved through the application of sociological concepts and principles.
o Explain the impact this issue or social problem has on the field and those that work in that field.
- Competency 4: Address assignment purpose in a well-organized manner, incorporating appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.
o Describe a current issue or social problem.
o Write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Scoring Guide
Use the scoring guide to understand how your assessment will be evaluated.
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Criterion 1
Describe a current issue or social problem.
Distinguished
Describes a current issue or social problem, and writes a clear explanation of why the issue or problem was chosen from their field of work or study.
Proficient
Describes a current issue or social problem.
Basic
Identifies, but does not describe a current issue or social problem.
Non Performance
Does not identify a current issue or social problem.
Criterion 2
Explain how the issue or social problem is oftentimes considered to be an individual personal problem.
Distinguished
Explains how the issue or social problem is oftentimes considered to be an individual personal problem, and summarizes key points found in literature or from the field.
Proficient
Explains how the issue or social problem is oftentimes considered to be an individual personal problem.
Basic
Identifies, but does not explain how the issue or social problem is oftentimes considered to be an individual personal problem.
Non Performance
Does not identify how the issue or social problem is oftentimes considered to be an individual personal problem.
Criterion 3
Explain how sociological imagination could be used to better understand and explain the issue or social problem.
Distinguished
Assesses how sociological imagination could be used to better understand and explain the issue or social problem using an example from the field.
Proficient
Explains how sociological imagination could be used to better understand and explain the issue or social problem.
Basic
Identifies, but does not explain how sociological imagination could be used to better understand and explain the issue or social problem.
Non Performance
Does not identify how sociological imagination could be used to better understand and explain the issue or social problem.
Criterion 4
Explain the impact this issue or social problem has on the field and those that work in that field.
Distinguished
Explains the impact this issue or social problem has on the field and those that work in that field, and supports explanation with a relevant source.
Proficient
Explains the impact this issue or social problem has on the field and those that work in that field.
Basic
Identifies, but does not explain the impact this issue or social problem has on the field and those that work in that field.
Non Performance
Does not identify the impact this issue or social problem has on the field and those that work in that field.
Criterion 5
Write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Distinguished
Organizes content so clarity is enhanced and all ideas flow logically and smoothly. Writes concisely, precisely, and directly, with nearly flawless adherence to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Proficient
Writes in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Basic
Writing is unclear, wordy, or disconnected, with errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Non Performance
Does not write in a well-organized and concise manner.
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