Society Archives

The 3 Benefits of Sociological Imagination: Seeing More

What can social scientists do to improve their work? How can they do a better job of connecting personal and social problems? In The Sociological Imagination, C. Wright Mills advocates for a different way of doing social science. Sociological imagination involves the development of one’s own methods, which Mills argues makes it easier to make a connection between personal and social problems. He believes that using sociological imagination can help social scientists more easily recognize their own bias, understand others’ perspectives, and maintain a broad scope. Keep reading to better understand the three benefits of sociological imagination.

Harassment on Public Transportation: An Ongoing Issue

Why are women often harassed on public transportation? What is the solution to this problem? Caroline Criado Perez believes that women don’t report sexual harassment on public transit because it ultimately won’t solve the problem. This is because men predominantly run public transit and are less likely to be harassed, so no system is in place to reduce harassment. Continue reading to learn why harassment on public transportation is an ongoing problem.

What Is the Purpose of Social Science? Freedom

What is the purpose of social science? What should it be? In The Sociological Imagination, professor and sociologist C. Wright Mills argues that the main purpose of social science must be the preservation of freedom. In his definition of freedom, Mills directly connects it to our choices. He also discusses the contemporary trends he says threaten the possibility of a free society. Keep reading to learn Mills’s perspective on the purpose of social science.

How Female Refugees Are Affected by Data Bias

Do female refugees have gender-specific concerns? If so, why don’t they report them? Caroline Criado Perez, the author of Invisible Women, contends that sometimes female refugees suffer from sexual violence by male authority figures. It’s also not easy to support it because of certain taboos and a lack of support. Read below for gender-specific issues that female refugees could potentially face.

The Sociological Imagination by C. Wright Mills

What is “sociological imagination”? Is it a better approach to social science? How does it protect human freedom? In The Sociological Imagination, professor and sociologist C. Wright Mills explains what kind of social science—that is, science that studies human society and its institutions—contributes to a free and open society. He argues that, to protect freedom, social scientists must develop a “sociological imagination”: the ability to understand the relationship between a society and the individuals living in it. Additionally, Mills critiques other contemporary approaches to social science and how they fail to protect—and in some cases, actively threaten—free society. Here’s our

Future of Population Growth: The Effect on the Economy

What is the future of population growth? How does population affect the economy? In Capital in the Twenty-First Century, Thomas Piketty says that population growth will likely slow in future decades. This means that production will slow down and the capital-to-income ratio will rise. Check out why the future of population growth is essential for the economy.

Stand Up for Your Beliefs: Fight Racism With Anti-Bias

How can you start standing up for your beliefs? What does it mean to really embrace anti-racism? Self-help author Glennon Doyle reexamined her beliefs about race and realized that she had been participating in cultural practices and belief systems that did not reflect what she believed true about herself and the world. Deconstructing old beliefs and practices inherited from your culture gives you a clean slate upon which to stand up for your beliefs, current values, and goals. Read on to learn about deconstructing racist beliefs and why standing up for your beliefs means getting involved.

Invisible Women Quotes by Caroline Criado Perez

What are the most memorable Invisible Women quotes? What are the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In Invisible Women, feminist campaigner Caroline Criado Perez argues that most humans operate under a male-as-default mindset, which causes a gender data gap. When there is no data about women, people (especially men) assume that the experience of the average man represents the experience of the average woman. Below is a selection of quotes from Invisible Women with explanations.

Economic Gender Inequality: 2 Prime Examples

What does economic gender inequality look like? What are women’s economic disadvantages? Caroline Criado Perez asserts that the gender data gap harms women’s economic standing. This is a failure that results in discriminatory systems that harm women’s finances. Read more to learn how the gender data gap results in workplaces that don’t consider women’s needs.

Increasing Science Literacy: Advice From Carl Sagan

What if the general public were more scientifically aware? What’s the path to get there? In The Demon-Haunted World, Carl Sagan shares his concern about science illiteracy, especially in America. He believes that a general public that’s equipped with more knowledge about scientific principles and methods would be a positive force in the world. He outlines two ways to increase science literacy: improving science education (including instilling more enthusiasm for science) and increasing funding for scientific research. Let’s take a close look at this advice from Sagan.