<p>The Sociological Imagination</p><p>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.</p><p>After reading the assigned chapters in the textbook and visiting the website, Overweight and obesity, discuss each of the following points:</p><p> a. Using the definition provided by the text, define how obesity could be categorized as a social problem. o What are examples of individual and societal factors leading to obesity? o What are the individual and social consequences of doing nothing to address this problem? b. Theoretical perspectives o How would a conflict theorist explain the problem of obesity? o How would a functionalist explain the problem of obesity? o How would a symbolic interactionist explain the problem of obesity? c. 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? Based on this analysis, explain why or why not the issue of obesity should be addressed as a social problem.</p><p>Additional research, focusing on scholarly sources, is expected. Websites can be included in your research, and eventually included in your list of references, although you are expected to rely on authoritative sources. You may also look ahead in your textbook, since health issues are discussed in several chapters.</p><p>Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7. Select one post where your peer selected a different theory as the one that was most similar to their own views. Explain what you appreciated most about their perspective as it differed from your own. Did your fellow students approach the different theories as you did? Select one of your classmates who did not and discuss the disparity. Remember that our goal is to understand other perspectives rather than convince others of the wisdom of our own. Obesity can be categorized as a social problem because it affects more than one individual. According to our text ,Social problems: Causes & responses, obesity rates have grown rapidly over the last 25 years now affecting one out of three Americans. </p><p>Examples of individual factors leading to obesity are metabolism, genes and environment. Examples of Societal factors leading to obesity are highly processed foods, and increased portion sizes. Also “The increasing popularity of sedentary activities like watching television, using computers, and electronic gaming competes with the appeal of sports and exercise.” (Korgen, Furst (2012) pg. 12)</p><p>An individual consequence of doing nothing would be the health risks that the individual would face. A Social consequence of doing nothing would be a rise in health care costs and disability rates. </p><p>A conflict theorist might explain the problem of obesity as the government finding ways to keep the poor or those with less power down. A functionalist might explain the problem of obesity as being a necessary part of society and being good for society as a whole. A symbolic ineractionist might explain the problem of obesity as the obese feeling isolated, they do not communicate well with others and they are socially isolated.</p><p>I would have to say that the functionalist perspective would be closer than any of the perspectives in being most like my own views. I feel that society is made up of many parts and each part is working for the good of society itself. I do not know if any one of these perspectives alone does a great job at explaining the causes of obesity, but I do feel that obesity should be addressed as a social problem. From the functionalist perspective I think it best explains how obesity affects all of society, not just the individual themselves. </p><p>Korgen, K. & Furst, G. (2012). Social problems: Causes & responses. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.</p>