Sociological imagination and our uncertain future

C.W. Mills suggests that having sociological imagination entails having ability to both distinguish between and connect personal troubles and public issues. This has been a guiding principle for much sociology in the last fifty years, but is never simple and continues to challenge the discipline. Especially the increasing number of sociologists engaging in endeavours to explain, understand, and improve issues concerning the sustainability of society. This particular challenge for sociological imagination stems from the inherent forward-looking quality of sustainability, although it is useful to study our past and present to understand our options without prejudging our choices. This focus on the future introduces a rift between current public issues, based on what society anticipates to happen in terms of sustainability challenges if not addressed, and what people experience here and now. This paper attempts to scrutinise the relationship between the personal and the public in relation to sustainability challenges in Sweden. Linking analysis of the contemporary public discourse on mitigating and adapting to climate change with inquiry into the experiences of individuals and households provides striking discrepancies in perceived responsibility and agency. Policymakers point out the importance of changing household consumption patterns to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate change, while Swedish citizens are not experiencing climate change related personal troubles yet, and policy statements push responsibilities for managing increasing risk towards individuals and households without informing and preparing them for the task. Sociology has a vital role to play to bridge this rift. A task necessary for sustainability