Individual and societal factors leading to obesity

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.

After reading the assigned chapters in the textbook and visiting the website, Overweight and obesity, discuss each of the following points:

1. Using the definition provided by the text, define how obesity could be categorized as a social problem.
   • What are examples of individual and societal factors leading to obesity?
   • What are the individual and social consequences of doing nothing to address this problem?
2. Theoretical perspectives
   • How would a conflict theorist explain the problem of obesity?
   • How would a functionalist explain the problem of obesity?
   • How would a symbolic interactionist explain the problem of obesity?
3. 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.

Grading Rubrics

Distinguished
(100%) Proficient
(85%) Basic
(70%) Below Expectations
(50%) Non-Performance
(0%)
Thesis Statement Raises the strongest objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is strongly grounded in research and logical reasoning. Raises a plausible objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is mostly grounded in research and logical reasoning.
Raises an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is somewhat grounded in research and logical reasoning. Attempts to raise an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is minimally grounded in research and logical reasoning.
The objection to the thesis is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Counter Argument Provides a strong, thorough rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal effectively demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and applies the principles of charity and accuracy.
Provides a rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal mostly demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and mostly applies the principles of charity and accuracy.
Provides a limited rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal somewhat demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and somewhat applies the principles of charity and accuracy.
Attempts to provide a rebuttal to the objection; however, the rebuttal minimally demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and does not apply the principles of charity and accuracy.
The rebuttal is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Conclusion – Provides clear and concise closing remarks that comprehensively summarize the essay. The remarks consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem.
Provides closing remarks that summarize the essay. The remarks mostly consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are somewhat unclear.
Provides closing remarks that minimally summarizes the essay. The remarks minimally consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problems. The closing remarks are unclear and/or vague.
Attempts to provide closing remarks that summarize the essay, however, the remarks do not consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are unclear and vague. The closing remarks are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Written Communication: Context of and Purpose for Writing
Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.
Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly. Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.
Organization and presentation of content are extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.
The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics
– Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.
Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to understand Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors which may slightly distract the reader.
Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors which distract the reader.
The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Written Communication: Required Formatting
Accurately uses required formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.
Exhibits required formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors. Exhibits limited knowledge of required formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all requirements.
Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of required formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as required style.
The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Written Communication: Word Requirement
The length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of words. The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of words.
The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of words. The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of words.
The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Written Communication: Resource Requirement Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.
Uses the required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.
Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly. Uses an inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.
The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.