C. Wright Mills’s theory of sociological imagination is the belief that allows an individual to understand the broader picture of oneself and one’s role in society. Mills argued for an individual to truly determine their moral values they firstly need to have an understanding of the history of their society to understand the society and then themselves within it. With such understanding the individual could then engage in the public issues of the society, rather than living an isolated life. By such engagement the individual could then address the troubles of his life, which are caused by the society. “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. The sociological imagination enables one to switch from one perspective to another, thereby forming a comprehensive view of the sociocultural system” (Frank W. Elwell, 2001)
The social Imagination highlights the need for moral values. Moral values are fundamental in the foundation to both the individual and the society as a whole. The particular moral values of an individual are shared by, and shape the moral values of others. However the forces of society, and the constant changes within it, cause people to have to rethink their values to suit such changes within society. Thus causing a general questioning of the moral values of the society. Those lacking a sociological imagination can become so disoriented within their society that they become what Mills' calls ‘morally insensible’.
In the social Imagination Mills stated that ‘personal troubles of milieu’ are the troubles and problems faced by the individual. Undoubtably many of these troubles faced by the individual are caused by the framework of the society and, or the failure of one or more of society's institutions. The lacking of sociological imagination stops the individual from seeing that one, if not the only solution to his problem is not on the...