C.Wright Mills is an American Sociologist who introduced the concept of Sociological Imagination. Sociological Imagination is the capacity of sociologists to dedifferentiate between “personal troubles” and “social issues”. He Identifies the “generation gap”, unemployment, changes in occupational structure, communalism, casteism, etc. as societal issues. He identifies gender inequalities also as a social problem. At the same time, he identifies personal trouble as something arising from the individual which has an effect on his or her immediate context.

Which of the following will help us understand the social issues better?

Combination of history and biography.

The correct answer is Option 3: Combination of history and biography.

While history gives an account of society, biography gives a history of an individual in a society. Then it is the combination of history and biography that will help us understand the social issues better.

1. History of society: Examining the historical context of social issues helps us understand how they have evolved over time, the factors that have influenced their development, and the broader societal dynamics at play.

2. Biography of individuals: Exploring the life stories of individuals impacted by social issues provides insights into personal experiences, struggles, and contributions, helping to humanize and contextualize the broader social issues.

3. Combination of history and biography: Integrating both historical analysis and biographical studies offers a comprehensive understanding of social issues, as it allows us to connect broader societal trends with individual experiences and actions.