Cost of Healthcare through the Sociological Perspective
Sociological imagination is a concept coined by Charles Wright Mills in 1959. It is described as a way to understand the world and emphasize its connections between individual experiences and societal relationships. The sociological imagination is a critical tool for social scientists, it allows them to translate private troubles into public issues. By examining personal problems through the lens of sociological imagination, they can gain a deeper understanding of the social forces that contribute to their personal issues.
One social issue that impacts me personally is the high cost of healthcare. As a student, I struggle to afford the cost of healthcare, and it often becomes a burden for me. Through the lens of sociological imagination, I can understand this issue differently.
According to Mills, personal troubles are problems individuals face in their immediate social setting, public issues are societal problems that affect many people. The high cost of healthcare can be viewed as a personal trouble when it
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In the United States, healthcare is primarily a for-profit organization, this has resulted in unreasonable costs. Additionally, the lack of universal healthcare coverage and insurance options for low-income individuals heightens the problem. These issues have led to a system where access to healthcare is a privilege rather than a right.
By viewing the high cost of healthcare through the lens of sociological imagination, I can understand it as a symptom of larger societal problems. Rather than blaming myself for not being able to afford healthcare, I can recognize the systemic issues that contribute to the problem. This understanding can motivate me to become politically active and advocate for policies that provide universal healthcare coverage and regulate the healthcare