SWRK 423 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Class Consciousness, Talcott Parsons, Conflict Theories
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They believe they are free to do whatever they want: they believe the system or society is so big they are unable to do anything to change it. The ability to see the connection between personal troubles and social structures (c. wright mills) Mills emphasized difficulty of developing this quality of mind. People believe 2 contradictory ideas w/ equal conviction. Social structures exert powerful control on our behaviour. We are neither entirely free nor are we wholly predetermined. Sociological imagination was born due to 3 modern revolutions: the scientific revolution, the democratic revolution. Using evidence to make a case for a particular point of view. Suggested that a science of society was possible. Could help people find ways of overcoming social problems, improving the welfare of citizens and effectively reaching given goals. Suggested that people could intervene to improve society. Presented social thinkers w/ a host of pressing social problems crying out for a solution.