Shortform Books

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.

Unethical Use of Data—Examples With Explanations

What happens when you use data for unethical reasons? What are the drawbacks and dangers of big data? Even though Seth Stephens-Davidowitz is openly enthusiastic about data studies, he’s aware that data has drawbacks and limitations and can lead to great harm if used unethically. In Everybody Lies, he explores some cases where these dangers have come to pass. Read below for unethical use of data examples.

Imago Dialogue: Improve Communication in Dating

What is the Imago Dialogue? How do you use it to improve relationships? According to Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt in Getting the Love You Want, the Imago Dialogue is a communication tool to down emotional walls. This tool is especially useful for couples who have trouble communicating relationship problems. Read below to learn more about the Imago Dialogue.

Team Purpose Workshop: Best Method (+Examples)

What is the best method for facilitating a team purpose workshop? How can a team purpose workshop lead to greater success? To determine your purpose in the first place, Find Your Why author Simon Sinek and his co-authors created a step-by-step process that individuals and groups can follow in a group discussion or workshop. Sinek’s process to find your purpose helps you or your team explore past experiences for insight into what moves you. Keep reading to learn the steps for conducting the most effective team purpose workshop, according to Simon Sinek.

How to Control Your Thoughts: Take Responsibility

Do you sometimes think something and wonder: “How on earth could I have thought that?” Where do thoughts come from? Is it possible to control your thoughts? As the popular adage goes, you shouldn’t believe everything you think. While you can’t totally control the stream of your consciousness, you can control how to react to the thoughts that come to your mind—whether to brush them off or to give them weight by entertaining them further. With this in mind, here’s how to control your thoughts.

The Fundamental Law of Capitalism: R>G

What does R>G mean in economics? What is one of the fundamental laws of capitalism? The formula R>G states that the net rate of return on capital (R) is greater than the economic growth rate (G). In Capitalism in the Twenty-First Century, Thomas Piketty claims this is one of the fundamental laws of capitalism. Read more to learn how R>G explains wealth inequality.

How to Evaluate Interview Candidates: The 5 Steps

What is the best way to evaluate interview candidates? How should you decide which candidate to select? It can be hard to decide who to hire if every candidate is qualified. Julie Zhuo’s advice in The Making of a Manager can make it easier to make this decision through careful evaluation. Read more to learn how to evaluate interview candidates.

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.

Best Pregnancy Blogs and Podcasts to Follow in 2022

Are you expecting a baby? What are the best sources to consult for advice on pregnancy? Pregnancy comes with many questions, emotions, and challenges. To navigate it all, you’ll need a lot of help along the way. The problem is that the internet is full of unsolicited advice—you should be careful which sources you consult, especially when it comes to bringing another human into the world. Whether you’re a first-time parent or have been through it all already, we’ve got you covered with the best pregnancy blogs and podcasts to follow in the run-up to the big day.

Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman

What lies at the core of human nature? If you stripped away civilization, would we be fundamentally compassionate creatures? Or would we cheat, lie, and steal, with only self-interest in mind? In Humankind: A Hopeful History, Rutger Bregman argues that our species evolved to be friendly and compassionate. When we do evil things, he maintains, it’s not because we’re evil by nature, but for a variety of other reasons, including our desire to conform and to act for the greater good. Below is a brief overview of Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman.