Question

Which of the following Sociologists argued that Sociology helps in understanding the links and connections between “personal troubles” and “social issues”?

• A. Durkheim
• B. C.W. Mills
• C. Bourdieu
• D. Weber

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The sociologist who argued that sociology helps in understanding the links and connections between "personal troubles" and "social issues" is C. Wright Mills. He famously introduced the concept of the sociological imagination, which emphasizes the ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and larger social forces. Mills argued that personal problems are often deeply connected to societal structures and issues.

Let's review the options:

1. Durkheim - Émile Durkheim is known for his work on social facts and how society influences individual behavior, but he did not focus on the specific connection between personal troubles and social issues in the way Mills did.

2. C.W. Mills - This is the correct answer. C. Wright Mills introduced the concept of the sociological imagination, which helps individuals see the connection between personal issues and societal problems, emphasizing that personal troubles often have societal causes.

3. Bourdieu - Pierre Bourdieu focused on social theory, including concepts like habitus and cultural capital, but he did not specifically emphasize the link between personal troubles and social issues.

4. Weber - Max Weber focused on verstehen (understanding) and the role of subjective meanings in social actions, but he did not make the connection between personal troubles and social issues in the way Mills did.

Thus, the correct answer is Option 2: C.W. Mills.