Sociological Imagination and Sociological Mindfulness.

According to C. Wright Mills, the place and time period in which we live, our history, determines who we are, or our biography. He called this concept sociological imagination, or the relationship between one's personal history and biography. Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers exemplifies this notion in that the inhabitants of the isolated town of Roseto, comprised entirely of Italian emigrants, were the only people to evade the crippling heart disease epidemic that was rampant in the United States during the 1950's. Upon word of this, a physician named Stewart Wolf became intrigued, and set out to find out why. Through much observation and experimentation he disproved many initial theories, including: dietary and exercise related habits, genetic predisposition, and geographic location. Wolf eventually realized that the Rosetans were healthy because of their rich history. The town had strong social connections and interactions, and held steadfastly to their values of family and equality, all of which influenced who they were.

Due to my sociological imagination, I know that I am made up of a personal biography and history. I also know that others are affected by where and when they live as well. For this reason, I can see and appreciate that the unique qualities and characteristics of other people. As stated by Michael Schwalbe in his book, The Sociologically Exampled Life, this is the first part of being sociologically mindful, or “tuning-in to how the social world works.” He believes this is important because he feels that a harmonious and democratic society is necessary for one to have a “good life,” and that everyone should have an equal right to one. He also thinks that as humans, we must consider how our actions can affect other people and their chances at a good life, because all of our lives are interconnected.

Schwalbe also states “being sociologically mindful also means paying attention to the hardships and options other people face. If we understand how others’ circumstances differ from ours, we are more likely to show compassion for them and…less likely to condemn them unfairly for doing things we dislike.” This part really struck a chord with me as I have faced much undue discrimination for being diagnosed with what are called invisible illnesses. This means it would be impossible to know I am sick just by looking at me, because I do not have any visible impairment. Despite my seemingly normal appearance, and lack of physical impairments, my illnesses cause physical pain. Due to such symptoms, I need certain accommodations in school that others often perceive as special treatment because it is not blatantly obvious that I need them. For this reason, I am often judged prematurely and erroneously. Through my experiences I have come to terms with the fact that it is impossible for one to truly understand the effects of an invisible illness without actually having one; but with the promotion awareness, and the willingness of others to become aware, people will realize the potentially negative repercussions of their actions on the chances for people like me to have a “good life.” Perhaps if everyone listened to Schwalbe and became more sociologically mindful, unjust discrimination would be less prominent today.