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Exploring Social Problems Through a Sociological Lens: Obesity, Homelessness, and Education Inequality

This document explores social problems such as obesity, homelessness, and education inequality through a sociological lens, likely discussing their causes and societal impacts.

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    Exploring Social Problems Through a Sociological Lens: Obesity, Homelessness, and Education Inequality “SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION” The Sociological Imagination 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 MOVEMENT S 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

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    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 findin g 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). Ultimate ly, 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

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    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 c ontribute 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 S tatistics, 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.

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    SOURCES Korgen, K. & Furst, G. (2012). Social problems: Causes & responses. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Overweight and obesity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/defining. Korgen , K. & Furst, G. (2012). Social problems: Causes & responses. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Overweight and obesity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/defining. Week1 dq2 Homelessness We will learn about many social problems during this course. Some problems are very complex and are typically the result of both individual and social issues. As we study these social problems, one question should always come to mind: What can be done about these problems? Homelessness with association to poverty, financial crisis, crime, domestic violence, and abuse can affect not only the involved individuals but have all the powers to contribute significant impacts to the society. The severity of the impacts of homelessness to the involved individuals is highly damaging and can be very costly. Homelessness therefore is a societal problem that can greatly hurt and cost the society and government if no proper measures are done. Policies and public funding would be an appropriate action to offer some remedies to homelessness. Homeless people are at the verge of confronting very challenging conditions in life that may force them to take choice out of very limited options (Focus Ireland, 2008). The

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    homeless in need will be forced to sustain living by any means and demonstrate willingness to take risks if only to survive which could incur higher cost to the society and the government as a whole. Without proper facilities, the homelessness invites pollution in the surrounding communities which include human wastes. The streets occupied by homeless invite unsanitary practices that can affect and increase risk to infection in the community. The individuals who become homeless will be exposed to different societal harms and illnesses such as sorts of crime, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and prostitution. Homelessness in general has complex relationship to crime as it can have association either as the effect or the cause of crime (Shelter Cymru, 2009). Homelessness will continue to cause very costly effects to the society unless strategies are found to provide homes and relief measures to the homeless members of the society. Unless, anomalies happen on funding programs, policies and public funding would be appropriate actions. Since homelessness has close association to economic conditions, policies and public funding must not encourage total dependency. Public funding would become inappropriate when no measures are implanted to help the able homeless improve their economic conditions. Home is a place where individuals find safety and security while living in a particular housing that provides shelter. The increasing problem on homelessness has increased provision of services for those homeless members of the society. With more people in the state of being homeless, the situation makes it just too difficult to meet their needs making the situation highly challenging to the society. SOURCES Focus of Ireland. (2008). Impacts of Homelessness. Retrieved from https://www.focusireland.ie/htm/research_policy/pdfs/Impact081.pdf

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    Shelter Cymru. (2009). Crime and homelessness. Retrieved from http://www.sheltercymru.org.uk/shelter/policy/rdetail.asp?cat=4 Education and Equality The videos required for this discussion each touch on overlapping social problems. Although we will examine education, inequality, and race, each of which can be defined as a social problem or major component of larger social problems, the basis of our discussion is based on a simple argument: a. Education is an effective tool in our efforts to build a more equitable society. b. Therefore, equal educational opportunities must be available to all citizens. Answer 1 In my opinion, The University of Michigan is taking a step in the right direction with their scoring system. Their goal is to promote cultural diversity in their school. According to our text 40% of Black and Hispanic children attend schools where 90 - 100% of the students are minorities. White students attend schools where 80% of their population is other white students. (Korgen & Furst 2012, sec.3.3). The only thing that I disagree with is giving minorities from prominent families 20 points as well. Keep in mind that all poor students are also automatically given 20 points whether black or white. Even with these figures it still does not give minorities an advantage. Many minorities will not have the advantage of legacy. Often times minorities parents haven’t attended an affluent school or any college for that matter. Also we have to take into account the quality of education that minorities are receiving which may make it more difficult to meet other requirements to get into a good college. Minority students are also less likely to participate in shadow education because of lower incomes. The more qualified and experienced teachers tend to gravitate to higher income neighborhood schools, therefore many minorities are very disadvantaged when it comes to education. Not to mention that there is not enough funding going into the uplifting of these schools.

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