One can think about a particular topic in many different ways. Everyday thinking tends to rely upon commonsense and the individual's subjective experiences. Sociological thinking differs from everyday thinking in that it aims to view the world more objectively by looking beyond one's personal views and prejudices, and by looking at the broader social forces that shape our lives and those of others.
             When one thinks of romantic love, for example, using everyday thinking or imagination, most would probably base their views on one's own attitude, direct experiences or behaviour. This is often simplified to viewing the matter within the parameters of unfavourable or "bad" experiences and "good" or pleasant experiences. A common belief in the western world is that two people get married because they are "in love" with each other and that romantic love should form the foundation of marriage. Furthermore, it is scorned upon or questionable to marry for any other reason such as gain in wealth or status. This opinion may be influenced by a variety of personal experiences or observations such as one's own experiences of dating and marriage or by observing other people's behaviour such as parents, family members or peers. It could also be further nurtured by one's own religious beliefs, general education and even by the glorification of romantic love by the popular soap operas that one may watch on television.
             In contrast, sociological thinking or "the sociological imagination" as coined by C.W. Mills, is less interested in individual behaviour and more concerned with understanding and exploring what happens when groups of people gather together. It uses concepts such as class, ideology and culture to describe the broader social forces such as life chances, gender and globalisation that shape our behaviour. Sociological thinking is therefore more interested in exploring
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