Alcoholism and Sociological Imagination

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Table of Contents

Abstract
Introduction
Alcoholism and its Broader Impact on the Individual and Society
Conclusion
References

Abstract

The present paper uses the concepts of sociological imagination and addiction to discuss the association between alcoholism and its broader impact on the alcoholic in particular and society in general. The concept has facilitated the dissection of the problem in terms of individual characteristics, personal troubles, as well as historical and social aspects, and public issues. The paper has demonstrated how the individual characteristics of an alcoholic are reinforced by historical and social contexts to worsen the social problem of alcoholism. Therefore, the main question of the paper is, “How does the sociological imagination give us a new way to think about and help us understand alcoholism in society?”

Introduction

Available literature has underscored the importance of the social environment and interactions in assisting individuals to appreciate the dynamics of social existence. It also helps to understand how the wider social factors shape people’s lives as individuals, groups, communities, and societies (OpenStax, 2021). This predisposition, which is often referred to as sociological imagination, helps to develop a more truthful depiction of the social landscape of the culture in which people live. It happens through the provision of explicit and exciting ways of understanding oneself, other people, as well as the social world (Dannefer, 2021). The present paper uses the concept of sociological imagination to discuss the connection between alcoholism and its broader impact on individuals in particular and society in general.

Alcoholism and its Broader Impact on the Individual and Society

The concept of sociological imagination was coined by Wright Mills in 1959. It helps to “grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society” (Henslin, 2019, p. 9). In the context of sociological imagination and addiction, this concept can be utilized to identify and unify individual characteristics of people who are addicted to alcohol. Historical contexts of the problem can be implemented to illuminate the dynamics of the social structure or environment in encouraging or perpetuating the issue.

An analysis of individual characteristics using the sociological imagination concept reveals that the person turns into an alcoholic due to several factors. They are low self-esteem, anxiety or fear, perfectionism, feelings of guilt, shame, impulsivity, self-pity, frustration, underachievement, low tolerance, and dependence (Obeid et al., 2020). Mills refers to these characteristics as personal troubles by virtue of the fact that an individual bears some responsibility for their actualization and control (OpenStax, 2021). It means that an alcoholic can decide to make concerted efforts aimed at addressing these factors at a personal level. These individual features affect the well-being of society in terms of cost burdens for the alcoholic, mental health issues, family breakdowns, poor parenting, and other social evils.

However, some of the aspects that underlie the problem of alcoholism cannot be remedied at a personal level. This is due to their historical, social, and structural factors (Addiction Center, n.d.). Mills is of the opinion that these characteristics “represent public issues that can be changed only by large-scale economic developments or social reform” (Henslin, 2019, p. 9). For example, one can turn into an alcoholic due to social factors such as family problems, lack of employment, social inequality, and social exclusion (Zayed, 2023). In addition, weak interpersonal relationships with neighbors and community members are also of critical value.

Most of these characteristics are embedded in how an individual becomes socialized and are also deeply rooted in culture. It is important to note that these features have the capacity to ignite, perpetuate, or influence the discussed individual characteristics. Hence, it is important to evaluate how an individual’s biography interweaves with historical and social contexts. These personal, social, and historical correlations to the issue of alcoholism provide the basis for the concept of sociological imagination. It can be used as a tool that could help us to identify viable solutions and understand how individuals interrelate with others.

Conclusion

This paper has used the concepts of addiction and sociological imagination to discuss the relationship between alcoholism and its wider influence on individuals and society overall. Altogether, the discussion demonstrates that people have to go beyond their personal experiences, assumptions, and common sense if they are to understand the social problem of alcoholism. It also concerns the formulation of effective strategies to address the challenge.

References

Addiction Center. (n.d.). Alcoholism causes and risk factors. Addiction Center. Web.

Dannefer, D. (2021). Age and the reach of sociological imagination: Power, ideology and the life course. Routledge.

Henslin, J. M. (2019). Sociology: A down-to-earth approach (14th ed.). Pearson.

Obeid, S., Akel, M., Haddad, C., Fares, K., Sacre, H., Salameh, P., & Hallit, S. (2020). Factors associated with alcohol use disorder: the role of depression, anxiety, stress, alexithymia, and work fatigue-a population study in Lebanon. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1-11.

OpenStax. (2021). Introduction to sociology (3rd ed.). XanEdu Publishing Inc.

Zayed, A. (2023, February 14). Causes and factors of alcoholism. The Diamond.

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Alcoholism and Sociological Imagination

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