Final answer:
C. Wright Mills called the sociological perspective the 'sociological imagination,' a term that encompasses the relationship between personal troubles and larger public issues by linking individual experiences with societal influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
C. Wright Mills, a pioneering sociologist, referred to the sociological perspective as the sociological imagination. This concept is crucial to understanding how personal troubles are connected to broader social issues. Mills highlighted the importance of recognizing the interplay between an individual's personal experiences and the larger societal context. He argued that the decisions and experiences of individuals, such as marriage choices, are influenced by the wider culture, including historical and social factors. This perspective allows sociologists to see beyond the individual to understand how societal forces shape personal experiences and to transform personal troubles into public issues.
The sociological imagination encourages us to think critically about the link between what happens in our personal lives and larger social forces. This analysis can reveal how the collective experience of individuals can represent a more extensive social pattern, helping to analyze cultural norms, social structures, and historical events that influence behavior.
Mills' concept of the sociological imagination is a core element of sociology, providing a framework to understand the relationship between individual and society. It's a vital tool for sociologists and helps to clarify how personal issues reflect larger social phenomena.