sociological imagination

Generally speaking, (dangerous terminology I realize) to examine or study a social phenomenon (or anything/anyone for that matter) one must view the subject(s) from a given/chosen point (of view) or vantage. Having said that, no one vantage has the all-encompassing view.  There is a degree of error (information not accounted for) that cannot be, by unintended design corrected to 100%.  A Functionalist point of view therefore would have positive influence(s) on the perceptions of why the crimes were committed. As such, crime is expected, even inevitable in every society and perhaps sighting that no form of government or governing body (recognized authority) can be or do all things for all the people.  Some will unfortunately "fall through the cracks" and resort to what they deem is necessary for self or familial survival and therefore punishment might be somewhat less severe, or at least less so providing significant proof of the extenuating circumstances. In other words bringing a necessary fairness and/or a reasonable mindedness to the table of justice that might have been otherwise been overlooked and viewed solely on the merits of the crime, thereby improving over all a portion of our legal system.  Also, the simple fact is, crime pays... not necessarily to the criminal but to the law enforcement agencies which could improve police presence by hiring more officers (jobs). Companies that produce and sell security devices of all kinds make money and may therefore create more jobs to meet the demand of security needs. Unfortunately, this can also be viewed in a negative light.  It could be said that (at least in this example) crime is treated "softly" and could therefore provoke a hightened crime response as fear of reprimand diminished because punnishment had been lightened. There is as well, the argument of having government money funneled for other, perhaps considered more desired areas of need than to the police departments. Private security companies shouldn't necessarily be viewed adversely here since all they are doing is providing a product and/or service (obviously) for a profit, capitalism at it's best.  However, there are potential psychological impacts, measured and as yet unmeasured of being observed (big brother) constantly.

As to opportunities that maximize advantages and minimize disadvantages that shape one's sociological imagination.  I can only respond at this time in a limited fashion as my understanding of this is limited.  Perhaps by doing a truly honest self-study prior to engaging in a sociological study and gaining insight into one's own personal bias' known and potentially unknown or previously unconcidered personal bias'as well as obtaining the insight or views of friends and colleagues regarding these personal bias' could assist in providing this needed buffer. In this way, so identified, one would be more likely to keep these bias' from skewing the study.