“Baby Bump Assignment” – The Sociological Imagination

 First, be sure to have read the excerpt from The Sociological Imagination. This presentation is a thorough explanation of the Sociological Imagination by breaking down the first chapter to Mills’ pivotal book The Sociological Imagination. Then, answer the following questions in complete sentences. Be sure to use your sociological imagination. Explain Mill’s concept of the sociological imagination. Use examples from the text, along with proper citation (Last name, year of publication, page number). It is also helpful to use examples from your life, or the real world. This should be roughly 100-200 words in length. (4 points) What does Mills mean by Biography and History? Use examples from the text, along with proper citation (Last name, year of publication, page number). It is also helpful to use examples from your life, or the real world. This should be roughly 100-200 words in length. (4 points) What is the difference between a personal problem, and a public issue? Pick one example, and explain how it can be viewed as a personal trouble, and how it can be viewed as a public issue. For instance, Mills uses unemployment and explains it as both an individual problem and also a societal problem (personal trouble/public issue). This should be between 100-200 words in length. (7 points) Afterward, read the attached newspaper article and using your sociological imagination, explain: Explain why having a sociological imagination is important. For instance, how can we use our sociological imaginations while reading newspaper articles such as this, or watching the evening news? What benefit does having a sociological imagination have on individuals? Be specific and use examples from the reading to highlight how you are using your sociological imagination here. (100-300 words) (4 points) Mills notes that outside forces affect our lives, and that we are connected to others in our communities. Let’s apply that here. If someone in a community chooses to have a child, then that is their personal choice. However, others are impacted by that individual’s choice. For instance, the neighbors, coworkers, and friends of that family/individual will be affected by that baby by either needing to support that baby’s family, cover shifts or maternity leave, stand in lines longer at Target due to the influx of baby supplies being bought, and so on. Thinking about it this way, answer the following question: Other than the families who are having the babies, how are others in society affected by the increased number of babies? Provide at least one explanation from a micro-level of analysis, and one from the macro-level of analysis.