Eunchong Cho
Sociology Ph.D. student at the University of California, San Diego
I delve into the factors driving young people’s involvement in political activism as a collective actor, focusing on specific case studies within Korean society. Employing sociological methods and theories, I aim to extract pertinent knowledge and insights from these smaller-scale cases. This approach is analogous to using the “zoom in” and “zoom out” functions on Google Maps.
When we zoom out, the map unveils the entire universe, presenting everything as small dots while collectively revealing the round shape of the earth. Conversely, zooming in allows us to discern intricate details and observe micro-elements within the map.
In my sociological study of society, I consistently apply this “zoom in and zoom out” interaction. I examine the cases I study from a macro perspective, situating them within the context of long-term human history and overarching sociological theories. Simultaneously, I scrutinize the cases from a micro perspective, identifying and understanding the specific micro-factors at play. This dual approach facilitates the development and application of sociological imagination, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies within the societal fabric.