Constructing the Meaning and Significance of

Sociology from ‘Sociological Imagination’

Sociological Imagination [Sociological
Perspective(s)]

•Perspective?
 Contd.

• C Wright Mills - how individuals understand their own and others’ pasts
in relation to history and social structure

• It is the capacity to see an individual’s private troubles in the context of

the broader social processes that structure them.
 What constitutes sociology?

• The discipline of sociology explores the nature, structure, and

dynamics of social life, and also its causes and consequences
for the world.
•What is social?
 Society?

• Society is the web of social relationships

• Society constitutes social system

 Meaning of Sociology
• Sociology as the systematic study of society and social
interaction.
• Sociology is derived from the Latin word socius (companion)
and the Greek word logos (speech or reason), which together
mean “reasoned speech about companionship”.

• The experience of companionship or togetherness

• Sociology is actually much more complex.