Question

Sociological Imagination

COLLAPSE

Apply the sociological imagination to any of the following U.S. social problems to explain why your chosen problem exists. In your response, you must thoroughly describe at least two explanations that are in the context of the sociological imagination. Make sure you demonstrate correct knowledge of this concept and your ability to critically apply the concept to your chosen problem:

a) Why does the U.S. have some of the highest rates of obesity in the world?
b) Why has the U.S. violent crime rate declined over time?
c) Why are racial/ethnic minority women in the U.S. more likely to experience premature births?
d) Why is the U.S. one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world?
e) Why do U.S. boys tend to outscore girls on standardized tests if girls' school performance is better than that of boys?

Answer 1

A) Why does the U.S. have some of the highest rates of obesity in the world

Social Imagination connects personal problems to social issues. The two main reasons for obesity can be attributed to

i> Unhealthy food habit

ii>Lack of exercise

i> Now, unhealthy food habits can be termed as a personal issue. However, the factors leading to or related to unhealthy food habits can be connected to social issues. For example, consuming too much fast food is an unhealthy food habit that leads to obesity. An individual chooses to have fast food, but under what circumstances? Fast-food chains are growing around the country and they are highly advertised thus attracting a major population of the society. Also with so many fast-food chains the option for having fast food is more than that of having fresh fruits or vegetables. Many of the states in America do not produce enough fresh fruits or vegetables as they produce fast foods. Also, where are people having unhealthy foods? In social gatherings like weddings, birthdays, get together, etc, the chances of having unhealthy food along with beverages packed with sugar are much more. These factors make not only an individual obese but it influences the masses to become obese.

ii> Again, lack of exercise is definitely a personal choice. However, the reasons and circumstances can be related to social issues. Currently, most people are employed in jobs that require them to be on their chairs for most of their workdays. There are very few jobs which require some physical movement. Also, most people in the US own a car and that has become the preferred mode of transport instead of walking. Thus the society, in general, lacks physical activities leading to obesity among the population.