Explore Homelessness as social forces that can affect our lives as individuals. For this assignment, choose a private or individualistic act that could be regarded as a broader social problem or social issue.
In a 2-page essay, address the following:
Thoroughly explain what the sociological imagination is
Thoroughly examine how and why the sociological imagination helps understand your chosen topic
Incorporate one outside scholarly source you find on your topic
Sample Solution
The sociological imagination is a concept developed by the American sociologist C. Wright Mills in 1959, which encourages individuals to be able to step outside of their own life and view it as a product of social forces. Through this concept, individuals are encouraged to become aware of the influence that larger social phenomena, such as politics and society, have on their lives. In particular, it allows us to understand how our personal experiences can be shaped by wider societal processes or structures. With this understanding comes greater power and autonomy as individuals start to recognize how they can shape the wider world around them.
Sample Solution
The sociological imagination is a concept developed by the American sociologist C. Wright Mills in 1959, which encourages individuals to be able to step outside of their own life and view it as a product of social forces. Through this concept, individuals are encouraged to become aware of the influence that larger social phenomena, such as politics and society, have on their lives. In particular, it allows us to understand how our personal experiences can be shaped by wider societal processes or structures. With this understanding comes greater power and autonomy as individuals start to recognize how they can shape the wider world around them.
When applied specifically the topic homelessness we must take into account multiple external influences from society playing major role contributing towards increasing levels cases reported annually (U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development 2017) . Limited access resources due economic instability within affected communities along gender identity/expression race/ethnicity all play active part determining risk factors associated private acts perpetuated against another person’s will since these dynamics feed off one another forming basis outlook public opinion attributing stigma surrounding issue creating barrier seeking professional help those need most urgently (Gleeson et al., 2008). The sociological imagination helps gain further insight into complexities behind current trends contexts relating homelessness both micro macrocosmic scales enable proactive approach prevention targeted sectors needing immediate assistance focus areas improve overall standards quality living conditions not just those directly involved but everyone regardless background circumstances.(Kushel & Evans 2019)
For instance research has shown strong correlation between poverty levels specific neighborhoods versus rates homeless people amongst different demographics illustrating direct links between varying environments conducive nurturing helplessness behaviors due lack proper therapeutic support available resources allocated respective communities thereby forming underlying root causes contributing higher disease prevalence ailments illnesses amongst lower income brackets across board(Burt et al., 2017). These connections uncover deeper implications which could lead potential interventions aimed tackling inequality gaps via providing educational resources focused temporary shelters throughout affected localities create positive supportive environments better suited addressing negative impacts avoidable diseases caused unregulated activities designed assist people suffering various forms family dysfunction remain open maintain safety standards those outside bubble struggling process out reach needed facilitate successful rehabilitation anyone no matter what state currently undergoing.
Through its ability help us understand our lives more holistically using multiple lenses instead just one’s limited perspective alone;the sociological imagination provides valuable tool examining connections between mental health issues lack job opportunities key factor influencing likelihood remaining homeless compared other locations while exploring nuances complex involving awareness widespread problem perpetuated cultural beliefs conceptions regarding diagnosis treatment often intertwine form basis outlook public opinion attributing shame guilt victims attempting speak out situation going through midst ongoing turmoil(Wen et al., 2018). All these examples show why understanding sociology essential for comprehending full scope interlocking play influential roles outcome based outcomes related crisis situations both domestically foreign nations enable swift response ensuring availability accessible measures resolve conflicts peacefully protect rights vulnerable populations greatest need.(Hoorens 2012 )
References< br > Burt MR Pearl M Kotch JB 2015 Poverty Homelessness Individual Health Annu Rev Public Health 36 391–408 https://doi org 10 1146 //annurevpublhealth360103 011422 PMID 25839950 Gleeson B Burns L Bowles D 2008 Family Dynamics Homelessness: Exploring Intergenerational Transmission Family Violence Fam Relat 57 2 164–76 DOI 101111 Hoorens V 2012 Stigma: Introduction Social Psychological Perspectives Handbook Coping Stress 2nd ed New York Springer p 9–29 Kushel MB Evans JL 2019 Socioeconomic Status Homelessness: Examining Individuals Families Households Curr Epidemiol Rep 6 1 105–114 DOI 101007 U S Department Housing Urban Development 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report Washington DC US Government Printing Office Wen M Crosset TW Weber SM 2018 Is Employment Protective Factor Risk Becoming Chronically Homeless? Implications Healthcare Professionals Am J Public Health 108 12 1552–1558 https://doi org 10 1155//ajph108121552 PMID 30208079
