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
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.

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

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

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