week 1b - Study Notes on C. Wright Mills and Sociological Perspectives

what did Mills emphasized regarding Individual in Society?

C. Wright Mills emphasized the the connection between history and the individual.

Neither the life of an […] nor the […] of a society can be understood without understanding both.” (Mills, 1959)

individual; history

The sociological imagination by Mills (3) points?

• Enables its possessor to understand the historical sense in terms of meaning to inner and external experiences, connecting personal troubles with public issues.

• Individuals can understand their own experiences by locating themselves within their historical period and, in doing so, become aware of others who share similar circumstances.

• capacity to shift from one perspective to another

Troubles (Personal troubles of milieu)

Personal problem are private problems occuer immmedidate envirnment (milieu) of individuals, e.g. failure emotions etc.

Social problems, affect large number of people, rooted in economic, political, social. can not be solved by individual.

Issues (Public issues of social structure)

According to C. Wright Mills, at what point does structural changes affect personal troubles when those troubles are no longer **** or ****, and they become **** institiutions (systemic) issues when they are widespread and rooted in **** **** rather than individual failings.

isolated; private; public; social institutions

Example of personal troubles that relates to public issues?

One person is unemployed → personal trouble

If millions are unemployed due to econ. downturn → public issue

Theoretical Umbrellas (4)

• social order

• social conflict

• modernism

• postmodernism

Modernism vs Postmodernism

Modernism

• Focus on universal laws governing humanity.

• Belief in progressive knowledge and societal improvement through science.

Postmodernism

• Emphasis on particular experiences over universal rules.

• Critical inquiry of dominant power relations.

• Rejection of grand blueprints for societal change, wary of totalitarian outcomes.

Social Order Theory Key contrasts and assumptions

Social Order Theory

• Society regulates interests; promotes collective peace & productivity.

• Maintains shared norms and values.

Conflict Theory Key contrasts and assumptions

Conflict Theory

• Society characterized by fundamental inequalities.

• Dominant norms support existing hierarchies, marginalizing others.

Key Contrasts in Social Order vs Conflict Theoretical Perspectives

Social Order Theory

• Society regulates interests; promotes collective peace & productivity.

• Maintains shared norms and values.

Conflict Theory

• Society characterized by fundamental inequalities.

• Dominant norms support existing hierarchies, marginalizing others.

what does Social and Conflict theory said about society?

Social Order Theory

• Society regulates interests; promotes collective peace & productivity.

• Maintains shared norms and values.

Conflict Theory

• Society characterized by fundamental inequalities.

• Dominant norms support existing hierarchies, marginalizing others.

Assumptions about theories (Social and Conflict)

Assumptions About Society

• Social Order Theory: Fairness through accepted inequality.

• Conflict Theory: Inequalities entrenched; privilege maintained by exploitation.

Assumptions About Social Change

• Social Order Theory: Change is necessary but can occur top-down.

• Conflict Theory: Genuine change must arise from the oppressed seeking new structures.

Assumptions About Theory

• Social Order Theory: Theory helps maintain social order.

• Conflict Theory: Theory should challenge and empower marginalized groups.