Social Imaginary
... This can be referred to as a social imaginary. A social imaginary can be defined as how people perceive (or ‘imagine’) their social surroundings and how this shapes their actions due to certain societal expectations which are also determined by these very perceptions. Process of Realizing the Existence of a Social Imaginary Later in the passage above, James writes, “I had never before these calamitous times formed any such ideas; I lived on, laboured and prospered, without having ever studied on what the security of my life and the foundation of my prosperity were established; I perceived them just as they left me.” He says this, in the midst of the threat posed by the Revolution, due to a realization (of the social imaginary) that he has come to during his travels. ... However, we note that he uses the word ‘even’ which implies that this is unusual, especially if seen through his own social imaginary. ... ” He asks that question due to the fact that the crude treatment of slaves is in direct conflict with his social imaginary. ... These experiences presented a break from ordinary social order; ordinary from the perspective of his social imaginary. ... He has always drawn his identity from the perceptions of him by others through the social imaginary. ... According to Elias, one gains better understanding of the social connections encompassing one’s own life by immersing oneself in the life of people in other societies .