QUESTION

Instructions
In this class you are asked to write a research paper in which you will examine a social phenomenon, sub-
culture, or societal issue from the perspective of the sociology of deviance. The paper is worth 100 points
(35%) of your course grade.
As you become more familiar with the concept of deviance in the first week of class, start considering
possible research topics and their relationship to the course theories and concepts. You may select any type
of deviant behavior, ideology, or status you are interested in and should select one of the deviance theories
presented in the Goode text.
In choosing a topic, consider the issues of deviance related to the topic, not just the topic itself. For
instance, if you chose to do your paper on obesity, you would want to discuss why it is considered deviant,
how it is labeled as deviant, or the effects of this deviant status, etc. versus simply explaining the medical
causes and conditions/health concerns with obesity.
To be successful in this paper, you will want to develop a specific research question to guide your research.
You should also identify the perspective (positivist or constructionist) which you are taking in your paper
and you will need to apply at least one related theory to your analysis.
Your paper should be a minimum of 5 pages (which does not include the work-cited page), typed, and
double spaced and should consist of a description of the attitude, behavior, or condition you are researching
and why it is presently considered deviant in U.S. society. You may use either the MLA or APA format for
citations and references, however APA is preferred.
Paper Requirements:
1. Develop a clear research question examining an element of deviance in the U.S. society.
2. Explain the social construction of deviance in your topic.
3. Identify and apply a theory from the Goode text to your topic.
4. Present a thorough analysis of the research as it relates to the sociology of deviance.
5. Proper use of quotes and citations.
6. Use of required resources:
o A minimum of three academic journal articles (peer review academic journals from the
social sciences – including, criminology and deviance journals, general sociology journals,
sociology of education journals, juvenile delinquency journals, and general social science
journals).
o A minimum of two books discussing your topic (anthologies and single or double author
books are fine). You need to be cautious not to choose a novel or work of fiction. Only
research based books with bibliographies/work cited sections apply. Your textbook counts as
one of these sources.
o If you choose to use website material related to your topic, they must be used in addition to
the above listed requirements.

The paper is due by 11:59 pm Saturday and should be submitted in as a Word. doc or .docx
attachment through the course drop-box. Late papers will receive a 10% grade deduction for
each day late.

ANSWER

SOC 443 Week Four Research Paper: Obesity

Obesity is a growing societal issue in the United States. While the causes of obesity are
complex and multi-faceted, the constructionist perspective emphasizes the role of social factors
in the development and maintenance of obesity. Constructionists argue that obesity is deviant
behavior that is heavily stigmatized in our society. This stigma leads to discrimination and social
exclusion, which can further contribute to the development and perpetuation of obesity. By
understanding how obesity is socially constructed, we can begin to address the root causes of this
problem and develop more effective solutions, and critically analyze why it is considered a
societal issue in the USA.
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that
it may harm health, leading to reduced life expectancy and increased health problems. In the
United States, obesity is estimated to affect approximately 97 million adults and 12.5 million
children and adolescents. The prevalence of obesity has been increasing over the past several
decades, and there is no consensus among health care professionals and public health officials
that obesity represents a significant public health problem.
The sociology of deviance studies how society reacts to and defines deviant behavior. In
the constructionist perspective, deviance is not a fixed quality but a product of social
interactions. This means that what is considered deviant behavior can vary from one society to
another and even change over time within the same society. The labeling theory also explains
why obesity is seen as deviant behavior. This theory states that when someone is labeled as
deviant, they are more likely to engage in deviant behavior (Goode, 2019). This is because
society has labeled them as such and feels that they have to live up to this label.The causes of obesity are complex and multi-factorial and include individual and
population-level factors. At the individual level, obesity is determined by a complex interaction
of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Family history is a strong predictor of obesity,
and research suggests that genes play a role in the development of obesity. However, genes are
not the only factor involved – behavioral and environmental factors are also important. For
example, diet and physical activity patterns significantly determine energy balance and body
weight (Nisbet, 2017). Other important factors include the built environment (e.g., availability of
sidewalks and parks), social norms and attitudes (e.g., toward larger body sizes), and access to
affordable, healthy food options.
At the population level, the increasing prevalence of obesity is due in part to changes in the
physical and social environment that make it easier to consume more calories and expend less
energy. For example, the proliferation of fast food restaurants and the availability of high-calorie,
low-nutrient foods have made it easier to eat more calories than in the past. At the same time,
technological changes and the built environment have made it easier to be sedentary, and many
jobs now involve sitting at a desk or in front of a computer for long periods. Together, these food
and physical activity changes have contributed to the current obesity epidemic.
The obesity epidemic has profound implications for the health of the U.S. population.
Obesity is associated with many health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension,
cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Obesity is also associated with an increased
risk for premature death. In addition to the health risks associated with obesity, the condition also
imposes high economic costs. The annual medical costs of obesity are estimated to be as high as
$147 billion, and the indirect costs (e.g., lost productivity) are even higher.The societal problem of obesity requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach.
Individuals need to be empowered to make healthy choices, and the food and physical activity
environment need to be changed to make healthy choices easier. To this end, various policy and
environmental changes have been proposed, including increasing the price of unhealthy foods,
banning advertising of unhealthy foods to children, improving access to healthy foods and safe
places to be physically active, and mandating physical education in schools. While there is no
silver bullet for solving the obesity epidemic, combining these and other evidence-based
strategies is likely to be most effective.
Obesity has become a significant issue in the United States, with nearly one-third of adults
and one in six children considered obese. This rise in obesity rates has increased obesity-related
health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Given the significant health risks
associated with obesity, it is unsurprising that many people consider obesity to be a form of
deviant behavior (Goode, 2020).
While obesity may be considered deviant behavior by some, it is essential to remember that
deviance is relative. What one group of people may consider deviant behavior, another group
may not. This is why it is essential to examine the element of deviance in U.S. society from a
sociological perspective. By doing so, we can better understand how and why obesity has
become such a controversial issue in our society.
Obesity is considered deviant in U.S. society for several reasons. First, obesity is seen as a
personal responsibility issue. People who are obese are often blamed for their condition and are
seen as lazy or undisciplined. Second, obesity is a visible condition, and people who are obese
are often subjected to stigma and discrimination. Third, obesity is a health problem, and peoplewho are obese are at increased risk for several chronic health conditions. Finally, obesity is an
economic issue, as it is associated with increased healthcare costs.
Additionally, the constructionist perspective would consider obesity to be a societal issue
from the perspective of the sociology of deviance in the USA. Obesity is considered deviant
because it does not fit within the social norms of the USA (Pieterman, 2017). It is seen as a
health issue and a sign of poor self-control. Obese individuals are often stigmatized and
discriminated against. They may also face health problems due to their weight.
The sociological construction of obesity as a deviant problem in the United States is a
process that has been ongoing for centuries. Obesity has been seen as a sign of laziness and lack
of self-control and has been used as a marker of social class and economic status (Sanyaolu et
al., 2019). The medicalization of obesity in the late 20th century has further solidified its status
as a deviant problem. It has led to the development of a multi-billion dollar weight loss industry.
The effects of this deviant status are numerous and far-reaching. Obese individuals are
more likely to experience discrimination and social stigma and are less likely to be hired for jobs
or be seen as competent. They are also more likely to suffer from health problems, both physical
and mental.
The construction of obesity as a deviant problem is an example of how societal norms and
values can shape our understanding of and responses to a given issue. It is important to
remember that obesity is a complex issue with many causes and that stigmatizing and
marginalizing those who are obese does nothing to address the root causes of the problem.
There are several ways to curb obesity from a sociological perspective. One way is to look
at the issue from the perspective of the sociology of deviance. In the USA, obesity is often seen
as deviant behavior. This means that people who are obese are often seen as being outside of thenorms of society. This can lead to several negative consequences, such as discrimination and
stereotypes.
Another way to examine the issue of obesity from a sociological perspective is to research
the issue from a constructionist perspective. This means that researchers would look at how
obesity is socially constructed in the USA. This could involve looking at how obesity is
portrayed in the media or how obesity is talked about in society. This research could help
understand why obesity is such a problem in the USA and how to change how obesity is socially
constructed (Henry, 2017).
In conclusion, obesity is a growing societal issue in the United States. While the causes of
obesity are complex and multi-faceted, the constructionist perspective emphasizes the role of
social factors in the development and maintenance of obesity. Constructionists argue that obesity
is deviant behavior that is heavily stigmatized in our society. This stigma leads to discrimination
and social exclusion, which can further contribute to the development and perpetuation of
obesity. By understanding how obesity is socially constructed, we can begin to address the root
causes of this problem and develop more effective solutions.