What concept did C. Wright Mills introduce to describe the connection between personal experiences and social influences?

C. Wright Mills introduced the concept of sociological imagination as a way to understand the relationship between individual experiences and larger social forces. This concept emphasizes the ability to see the interplay between personal biography and history, allowing individuals to contextualize their personal circumstances within the greater societal framework. By utilizing sociological imagination, one can recognize how societal issues, such as economic downturns or shifts in cultural norms, can significantly impact an individual’s life experiences.

This notion is crucial in sociology as it encourages people to move beyond viewing their personal situations as isolated and instead understand how these situations can be influenced by broader social trends and structures. Mills argued that this perspective is essential for addressing social problems and fostering greater empathy and awareness of collective societal issues.