The article “The Promise of Sociology” by C. Wright Mills (1959) is filled with insight on how sociology can explain the experiences of both the individual and the organization. I believe that his article can best be summed up with his statement that “Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both” (Mills, 1959, p. 1). Prior to reading this, I don’t believe I have considered how my life has been affected by the history of my society, seeing nearly everything in terms of ‘troubles’ rather than ‘issues’. Mills’ (1959) example of war as being both a ‘trouble’ and an ‘issue’ is particularly relevant to my life. Were it not for the Iraq War, my life would be drastically different. I may have not met my wife, joined the military, had the financial means to make many of the decisions that I have, or even had the same values that my experiences have instilled in me.
Perhaps Mills (1959) most disturbing statement is that “’Man’s chief danger’ today lies in the unruly forces of contemporary society itself, with its alienating methods of production, its enveloping techniques of political domination, its international anarchy – in a word, its pervasive transformations of the very ‘nature’ of man and the conditions and aims of his life.” (p. 8). It can be overwhelming to think of the ways in which the uncontrollable force of the organization can assert itself on the individual. It seems to me that the organization pushes success, achievement, production and consumption above those things which are truly important, such as morality. I think you can also see the push of contemporary society in the actions within sports today. From the prevalence of illegal performance enhancers, the lack of loyalty in college football coaches, and NFL sideline tripping, sport seems to mirror our society with the approval of success at any cost that is, in light words, disappointing.
This is an excellent appraisal of Mills' chapter on "The promise." What is amazing to me about this chapter is its timeliness, just as you pointed out its relevance to your life as it relates to the Gulf War. I also like the fact that you brought it back to examples in sport that illustrate Mills' (1959) statement about the "unruly forces of contemporary society itself" (p. 8). This is an excellent analysis of how Mills' use of the "sociological analysis" applies to our understanding of the intersection between our personal biographies and public issues.
ReplyDeleteAnthony,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your discussion of Mills however one example you used in your personal discussion of sport regarding the lack of loyalty in college coaches struck home with me. Given my understanding of Mills "The Promise" man must understand himself and the organization or society in which he or she belongs. In today's society as bad as it sounds in collge athletics loyalty does not exist and the men and women that make up these industires are simply acting as a result of their environment. Coaches do not owe loyalty to any team, school, or player as their job security is non existent.
However, I enjoyed your synopsis of the article and nice job with the blog!!
Hey Anthony!
ReplyDeleteYou made some great points about the article, things that I missed when I read it. I especially appreciated the point you made about scoiety influencing us as individuals and the danger that this influence can have in our lives. In today's society it has become more and more important for us to become islands unto ourselves. As you pointed out, society places pressures on us to compromise what we know to be right. Therefore, we have to stay grounded in what we know to be correct principles and thereby remain true to ourselves.
Articles such as this one - and comments such as yours - serve as a great reminder. They help to remind us to stay true to ourselves and watch out for the outside influences of society.
Thanks!