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

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Exploring Social Problems Through a Sociological Lens: Obesity, Homelessness, and EducationInequality“SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION”The Sociological ImaginationIn order to do understand and develop a sociological imagination, we must be able tosee asocial 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 andsociety. While some may suggest obesity is simply the result of individual choices, how didso many people suddenly begin to make such bad choices? Rather than the result ofindividual choices, perhaps obesity is the result of dietary options available to our society.This might explain variations in obesity rates from onegeographic region to another. Wealthdistribution, health care, and even the availability of food may also explain differing rates ofobesity. In short, to those who have developed the sociological imagination, a variety offactors are clearly behind this epidemic of obesity.I just wanted to comment right off the bat regarding the question in the description, whichwas....."While some may suggest obesity is simply the result of individual choices, how didso 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; tomake something we currently do easier. What I mean by easier is, LESS PHYSICALMOVEMENTS to complete a task or job. Everything has a remote or is "hands free." All ofthose movements,albeit small, when combined together are a large percentage of the exercisethat we get during our daily routines. From robot vacuums cleaners to auto-cleaning kittylitter boxes we are being handed more time to sit on our expanding butts. At the same timewe are moving less and less our food (calorie) consumption is remaining the same and inmany cases increasing because many are using that extra sit time ...TOEAT !...Simple mathwill tell you that if you have more coming in than you have going out; you soon will beheaded down a WIDE ROAD.Using the definition provided by the text, define how obesity could be categorized as asocial 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 otherwords, it is not based only on the quality way of life it is also contributed for manydisadvantaged 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.Forexample, knowledge, lack of funds, and no means of finding ways to find or help neutralizethe 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 thechances 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 “datafrom 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 socialview overall, can affect those with obesity as well if not addressed accordingly.Empowerment, surveillance systems, and education is of the most importance ofneutralizing, and ultimately defeating the issue of “obesity” worldwide (Center for DiseaseControl: Overweight and Obesity).Theoretical perspective views differ from each other accordingly.From the “Functionalist Theorists” perspective is normally viewed that if everyone in acertain society or community is doing it, then it is considered normal/good.For example, if acertain community is eating many tortillas daily, and no one becomes ill, then it should begood especially when no one is being affected physically or mentally.French SociologistEmile Durkheim stated that, “humans are selfish by nature and must be channeled andcontrolled through proper socialization by social institutions” (1.3: Theoretical Perspectivesof Sociology).The “Conflict Theorists” believe that; for example, if the lack of nutritionalfood items, education, and resources, the more the issue of “obesity” will become.The facton that statement, is the issue of “obesity” raised or created intentionally or indirectly?Formthe “Symbolic Theorists” perspective, they state that if an individual associates themselveswith others that have a similar problem then everything may be solved accordingly.Otherswith thesame 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 ismost like your own views, which theory does the best job at explaining the causes ofobesity?Overall, theorists state the reality of social life worldwide differs, and the one that stands outthe most is the “Functionalists Theorists” perspective.The basic understanding that societiesmay view “obesity” normal or abnormal is a problem worldwide, and to address itappropriately 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 asocial problem.Obesity as defined by many, especially the “Office of the Surgeon General states, thatobesity “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 otherwords, it is not based only on the quality way of life it is also contributed for manydisadvantaged 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.Forexample, knowledge, lack of funds, and no means of finding ways to find or help neutralizethe 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 thechances 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 “datafrom 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 socialview overall, can affect those with obesity as well if not addressed accordingly.Empowerment, surveillance systems, and education is of the most importance ofneutralizing, and ultimately defeating the issue of “obesity” worldwide (Center for DiseaseControl: Overweight and Obesity).Theoretical perspective views differ from each other accordingly.From the “Functionalist Theorists” perspective is normally viewed that if everyone in acertain society or community is doing it, then it is considered normal/good.For example, if acertain community is eating many tortillas daily, and no one becomes ill, then it should begood especially when no one is being affected physically or mentally.French SociologistEmile Durkheim stated that, “humans are selfish by nature and must be channeled andcontrolled through proper socialization by social institutions” (1.3: Theoretical Perspectivesof Sociology).The “Conflict Theorists” believe that; for example, if the lack of nutritionalfood items, education, and resources, the more the issue of “obesity” will become.The facton that statement, is the issue of “obesity” raised or created intentionally or indirectly?Formthe “Symbolic Theorists” perspective, they state that if an individual associates themselveswith others that have a similar problem then everything may be solved accordingly.Otherswith thesame 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 likeyour 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 outthe most is the “Functionalists Theorists” perspective.The basic understanding that societiesmay view “obesity” normal or abnormal is a problem worldwide, and to address itappropriately differs from community to community worldwide.What is good can be badfor others, and one will adjust accordingly.

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SOURCESKorgen, 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 fromhttp://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 fromhttp://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/defining.Week1dq2HomelessnessWe will learn about many social problems during this course. Some problems are very complexand are typically the result of both individual and social issues. As we study these socialproblems, one question should always come to mind: What can be done about these problems?Homelessness with association to poverty, financial crisis, crime, domestic violence, andabuse can affect not only the involved individuals but have all the powers to contributesignificant impacts to the society. The severity of the impacts of homelessness to the involvedindividuals is highly damaging and can be very costly. Homelessness therefore is a societalproblem that can greatly hurt and cost the society and government if no proper measures aredone.Policies and public funding would be an appropriate action to offer some remedies tohomelessness. Homeless people are at the verge of confronting very challenging conditions inlife 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 totake risks if only to survive which could incur higher cost to the society and the government as awhole. Without proper facilities, the homelessness invites pollution in the surroundingcommunities which include human wastes. The streets occupied by homeless invite unsanitarypractices that can affect and increase risk to infection in the community. The individuals whobecome 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 complexrelationship to crime as it can have association either as the effect or the cause of crime (ShelterCymru, 2009).Homelessness will continue to cause very costly effects to the society unless strategiesare 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 appropriateactions. Since homelessness has close association to economic conditions, policies and publicfunding must not encourage total dependency. Public funding would become inappropriate whenno 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 housingthat provides shelter. The increasing problem on homelessness has increased provision ofservices for those homeless members of the society. With more people in the state of beinghomeless, the situation makes it just too difficult to meet their needs making the situation highlychallenging to the society.SOURCESFocus of Ireland. (2008). Impacts of Homelessness. Retrieved fromhttps://www.focusireland.ie/htm/research_policy/pdfs/Impact081.pdf

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Shelter Cymru. (2009). Crime and homelessness. Retrieved fromhttp://www.sheltercymru.org.uk/shelter/policy/rdetail.asp?cat=4Education and EqualityThe videos required for this discussion each touch on overlapping social problems. Although wewill examine education, inequality, and race, each of which can be defined as a social problem ormajor component of larger social problems, the basis of our discussion is based on a simpleargument: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 1In my opinion, TheUniversity of Michigan is taking a step in the right direction with theirscoring system. Their goal is to promote cultural diversity in their school. According to our text40% of Black and Hispanic children attend schools where 90-100% of the students areminorities. 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 fromprominent families 20 points as well. Keep in mind that all poor students are also automaticallygiven 20 points whether black or white. Even with these figures it still does not give minoritiesan advantage.Many minorities will not have the advantage of legacy. Often times minorities parents haven’tattended an affluent school or any college for that matter. Also we have to take into account thequality of education that minorities are receiving which may make it more difficult to meet otherrequirements to get into a good college. Minority students are also less likely to participate inshadow education because of lower incomes. The more qualified and experienced teachers tendto gravitate to higher income neighborhood schools, therefore many minorities are verydisadvantaged when it comes to education. Not to mention that there is not enough funding goinginto the uplifting of these schools.

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