In order to do understand and develop a sociological imagination, we must be able to see a social problem from many perspectives. This is the goal of our first discussion. For example, experts are warning us about the dangers of obesity, a problem for both individuals and society. While some may suggest obesity is simply the result of individual choices, how did so many people suddenly begin to make such bad choices? Rather than the result of individual choices, perhaps obesity is the result of dietary options available to our society. This might explain variations in obesity rates from one geographic region to another. Wealth distribution, health care, and even the availability of food may also explain differing rates of obesity. In short, to those who have developed the sociological imagination, a variety of factors are clearly behind this epidemic of obesity.


I just wanted to comment right off the bat regarding the question in the description, which was....."While some may suggest obesity is simply the result of individual choices, how did so many people suddenly begin to make such bad choices?"

I think I know a BIG part of what is to blame for this. In a single word,"TECHNOLOGY."

It seem that just about ALL of new technology from many if not all areas has but one goal; to make something we currently do easier. What I mean by easier is, LESS PHYSICAL MOVEMENTS to complete a task or job. Everything has a remote or is "hands free." All of those movements,albeit small, when combined together are a large percentage of the exercise that we get during our daily routines. From robot vacuums cleaners to auto-cleaning kitty litter boxes we are being handed more time to sit on our expanding butts. At the same time we are moving less and less our food (calorie) consumption is remaining the same and in many cases increasing because many are using that extra sit time ...TO EAT ! ...Simple math will tell you that if you have more coming in than you have going out; you soon will be headed down a WIDE ROAD.

Using the definition provided by the text, define how obesity could be categorized as a social problem.

Obesity as defined by many, especially the "Office of the Surgeon General states, that obesity "is the result of a combination of genes, metabolism, behavior, environment, culture, and socioeconomic status" (1.2: Sociological Lens, Korgen, K. & Furst, G., 2012). In other words, it is not based only on the quality way of life it is also contributed for many disadvantaged opportunities to address the illness whether medically and or economically, just to name a few. Individually and sociology as well, do contribute to this issue. For example, knowledge, lack of funds, and no means of finding ways to find or help neutralize the issue of obesity is a good example of how the problem continues to grow worldwide. The lack of interest in exercise and the lack of appropriate nutritional diet increase the chances of obesity no matter who the person is. For example in the state of Texas, only 13% of the state's population does exercise. That statistics are based on a study made by "data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2008" (1.2: Sociological Lens, Korgen, K. & Furst, G., 2012). Ultimately, the results physically can become life threatening, and the social view overall, can affect those with obesity as well if not addressed accordingly. Empowerment, surveillance systems, and education is of the most importance of neutralizing, and ultimately defeating the issue of "obesity" worldwide (Center for Disease Control: Overweight and Obesity).

Theoretical perspective views differ from each other accordingly.

From the "Functionalist Theorists" perspective is normally viewed that if everyone in a certain society or community is doing it, then it is considered normal/good. For example, if a certain community is eating many tortillas daily, and no one becomes ill, then it should be good especially when no one is being affected physically or mentally. French Sociologist Emile Durkheim stated that, "humans are selfish by nature and must be channeled and controlled through proper socialization by social institutions" (1.3: Theoretical Perspectives of Sociology). The "Conflict Theorists" believe that; for example, if the lack of nutritional food items, education, and resources, the more the issue of "obesity" will become. The fact on that statement, is the issue of "obesity" raised or created intentionally or indirectly? Form the "Symbolic Theorists" perspective, they state that if an individual associates themselves with others that have a similar problem then everything may be solved accordingly. Others with the same illness view the issue similarly the same as others do when it pertains to "obesity".

Based on your research, and personal reflection on which theoretical perspective is most like your own views, which theory does the best job at explaining the causes of obesity?

Overall, theorists state the reality of social life worldwide differs, and the one that stands out the most is the "Functionalists Theorists" perspective. The basic understanding that societies may view "obesity" normal or abnormal is a problem worldwide, and to address it appropriately differs from community to community worldwide. What is good can be bad for others, and one will adjust accordingly.

Using the definition provided by the text, define how obesity could be categorized as a social problem.

Obesity as defined by many, especially the "Office of the Surgeon General states, that obesity "is the result of a combination of genes, metabolism, behavior, environment, culture, and socioeconomic status" (1.2: Sociological Lens, Korgen, K. & Furst, G., 2012). In other words, it is not based only on the quality way of life it is also contributed for many disadvantaged opportunities to address the illness whether medically and or economically, just to name a few. Individually and sociology as well, do contribute to this issue. For example, knowledge, lack of funds, and no means of finding ways to find or help neutralize the issue of obesity is a good example of how the problem continues to grow worldwide. The lack of interest in exercise and the lack of appropriate nutritional diet increase the chances of obesity no matter who the person is. For example in the state of Texas, only 13% of the state's population does exercise. That statistics are based on a study made by "data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2008" (1.2: Sociological Lens, Korgen, K. & Furst, G., 2012). Ultimately, the results physically can become life threatening, and the social view overall, can affect those with obesity as well if not addressed accordingly. Empowerment, surveillance systems, and education is of the most importance of neutralizing, and ultimately defeating the issue of "obesity" worldwide (Center for Disease Control: Overweight and Obesity).

Theoretical perspective views differ from each other accordingly.

From the "Functionalist Theorists" perspective is normally viewed that if everyone in a certain society or community is doing it, then it is considered normal/good. For example, if a certain community is eating many tortillas daily, and no one becomes ill, then it should be good especially when no one is being affected physically or mentally. French Sociologist Emile Durkheim stated that, "humans are selfish by nature and must be channeled and controlled through proper socialization by social institutions" (1.3: Theoretical Perspectives of Sociology). The "Conflict Theorists" believe that; for example, if the lack of nutritional food items, education, and resources, the more the issue of "obesity" will become. The fact on that statement, is the issue of "obesity" raised or created intentionally or indirectly? Form the "Symbolic Theorists" perspective, they state that if an individual associates themselves with others that have a similar problem then everything may be solved accordingly. Others with the same illness view the issue similarly the same as others do when it pertains to "obesity".

Based on your research, and personal reflection on which theoretical perspective is most like your own views, which theory does the best job at explaining the causes of obesity?

Overall, theorists state the reality of social life worldwide differs, and the one that stands out the most is the "Functionalists Theorists" perspective. The basic understanding that societies may view "obesity" normal or abnormal is a problem worldwide, and to address it appropriately differs from community to community worldwide. What is good can be bad for others, and one will adjust accordingly.