Study Guide #5 Conflict Theory C

Study Guide #6 -- Conflict Theory – C. Wright Mills

C. Wright Mills

"The Promise"

1. Mills argued that the promise of sociology lies in its ability to provide more than just information about the world around us. What can it also provide from his point of view?

2. What is the sociological imagination as seen by Mills?

3. What kinds of questions should sociologists ask, according to Mills, in developing their analyses of society?

4. What did Mills say about personal troubles and social issues?

5. Mills contended that there were three major trends in sociology at the time of his writing. Please briefly describe each of these three.

"On Politics"

6. Is it possible, according to Mills, for social scientists to engage in research without working toward any specific political goals? Please explain.

7. Mills outlines three overriding political ideals that are common to sociological inquiry. What are these three ideals or values?

8. He also lists three roles that the social scientist can play in relation to public affairs. What are these three roles, and what does he think of each of these three?

9. Does Mills believe that human history is shaped simply by fate? What does he offer as an alternative explanation?

10. What did Mills say about intellectuals in the U.S. and the former Soviet Union?

11. What did Mills see as the main political task of the social scientist in today's world?