Jason was a black high school student from a middle-class family.He was class president,played competitive chess,and had hoped to earn a merit scholarship to one of the nation's top universities.During his senior year,he committed suicide.The sociological imagination helps us understand that Jason may not have committed suicide if he
A)had stayed away from gangs.
B)did not have so many emotional problems.
C)had felt less social pressure to achieve success.
D)had felt less social pressure to respect and obey authority.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sociological imagination highlights how social pressures and expectations can impact individuals' thoughts and behaviors. In this case, Jason's suicide may have been influenced by the social pressure he felt to achieve success and earn a merit scholarship. If he did not feel this pressure, he may not have felt the overwhelming burden that led to his suicide. Options A and B focus on individual factors, such as gang involvement and emotional problems, but the sociological imagination emphasizes the role of broader social forces that impact individuals' health and wellbeing. Option D may also have played a role, but the emphasis in the prompt is on Jason's striving for success, not his relationship to authority.

Jason Was a Black High School Student from a Middle-Class