Thursday, January 9, 2020

The Deviant Nature of Obesity - 2746 Words

The Deviant Nature of Obesity Sociology 277 Jill Prunty Obesity has become increasingly more prominent in American society. The Unites States has even been termed an overweight nation. Some twenty to thirty percent of American adults are now considered obese (Hwang 1999 and Hirsch et al 1997). With this in mind, Americans constantly look around themselves determining their weight status as well as that of those around them. While some Americans do fit the healthy category, others enter the underweight, overweight, and even obese categories, all of which can be unhealthy. Obesity can be termed deviant for a variety of reasons. Not only is it unhealthy, but it is also a widely unaccepted†¦show more content†¦All of these contribute to obesity. Some attitudes might foster an acceptance within a peer group or family for obesity. Causal behaviors for obesity include overeating and lack of activity. Conditions consequential to obesity include socioeconomic factors and poor education. Labeling theory gives definition to the obese. The deviant is one to whom the deviant label has been successfully applied (51). Having achieved obese status, the person has also achieved deviant status. The obese have acquired a conditional deviant status, which can be changed, thereby moving the person back within the norm (9). However, the deviant label is not always easily removed (9). While those who lose weight and can keep it off are cheered on by society, those who regain lost weight have a harder time removing their labels. They are then labeled yo-yo dieters. One obvious example is Oprah Winfrey. A popular talk show host, Winfrey has been in the spotlight and public eye for years. Weight has been an issue for her from the beginning. America has watched her lose weight only to gain it back over and over again. Many comments have been made on other television shows, in magazine articles, and in simple conversation concerning her weight. She will continue to be seen as at least having been fat, even when she is thinner. On the other hand, those who lose the weight and keep it off become positive deviants. The deviant exits theShow MoreRelatedObesity And Its Effects On Society997 Words   |  4 Pagesone looks, but it is the reaction of society or how society reacts that determines if an act is deviant or not (Goode, 2011). Obesity adheres to Goffman’s typology of stigma and deviance; abomination of the body and blemish of individual character (Goode, 2011). Terms such â€Å"Hog Bodies† or â€Å"Pigs in Human suits† are frequently used because the majority considers obesity as a product of immoral or deviant behavior. Furthermore, individuals that are not fat believe those that are obese became fat becauseRead MoreThe Obesity Epidemic Essay2683 Words   |  11 Pages Obesity has become increasingly more prominent in American society. The Unites States has even been termed an overweight nation. Some twenty to thirty percent of American adults are now considered obese (Hwang 1999 and Hirsch et al 1997). With this in mind, Americans constantly look around themselves determining their weight status as well as that of those around them. While some Americans do fit the healthy category, others enter the underweight, overweight, and even obese categories, all of whichRead MorePedophilia and Deviant Behavior1695 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿ Pedophilia and Deviant Behavior Sonja Johnson Sociology of Deviant Behavior Professor Grant Pikes Peak Community College August 3, 2014 There exists a group of people possessing what some refer to as a mental disorder, while others refer to it as a personality or behavioral disorder characterized by the urge to have sexual relations with those of a non-consenting age. Initially this paper will examine why exactly this is a deviant behavior. We will then go on to analyzeRead MoreObesity3999 Words   |  16 PagesObesity is a problem that affects virtually every person on the planet. Everyone knows someone who is overweight or they themselves are overweight. In this research paper we will be looking at the topic of obesity and the social ramifications that it holds. We will first look at obesity in a broad way. Then we will focus on obesity and its effects on children. And finally, obesity and adulthood will be covered. The topic of obesity is important to the field of sociology because obese peopleRead MoreThe Obesity Epidemic in America Essay examples3918 Words   |  16 Pages In this research paper we will be looking at the topic of obesity and the social ramifications that it holds. We will first look at obesity in a broad way. Then we will focus on obesity and its effects on children. And finally, obesity and adulthood will be covered. The topic of obesity is important to the field of sociology because obese people make up a significant portion of the world’s population. In addition, the manner in which obese people are treated has a significant effect on societyRead MoreEssay on The Impact Advertising Has on Children1394 Words   |  6 Pagesunhealthy for them. Unfortunately the message from this type of advertising is geared toward the child thinking I need to have the fast food. This is a bad message to leave in children?s minds, because it can also cause problems with their health. The obesity rate in young children has risen drastically over the last twenty years. Health reports have attributed this to the continuing increase in the amount of fast food children are consuming. Television commercials for fast food are on every channel, andRead MoreDrug Abuse And Adolescent Risky Behavior884 Words   |  4 Pagesthese novel experiences (p. 392). This essay will attempt to discuss how the brain is developing, being impacted, and, how spiritual development effects adolescent risky behavior. Risky behaviors can include any behavior that is seen by most as deviant social behavior. For example, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity, eating disorders, alcohol abuse, etc. These behaviors occur in youth for a number of reasons and can range from being mild to severe. Some reasons for risky behaviors is: doing what theirRead MoreEssay about Children and Television1536 Words   |  7 Pagesas how McDonalds offers toys to attract sales of their products. Findings of Zimmerman and Bell conclude, â€Å"Television viewing may be a sedentary activity, but it is not for that reason that it is associated with obesity in children. The relationship between television viewing and obesity among children is limited to commercial television viewing and probably operates through the effect of advertising obesogenic foods on television† (2010 p338). Children also face psychological health concernsRead MoreCritical Evaluation a Research Study on Empowerment and Personal Identity3199 Words   |  13 Pagesepidemiological studies in which researchers showed rapid increases in national and international rates of obesity over the last 20 years and linked obesity to a variety of physical and psychological health conditions. Other studies and international organizations too have focused and highlighted obesity as a major endemic. For instance, The World Health Organization (WHO, 2000) cautioned against an obesity epidemic, as a result of which the losses to society, both social and financial, are enhancing.Read MoreSociology And Its Effect On Society3599 Words   |  15 Pagesconceptualized types of norms: folkways, mores, and crime. Folkways are norms that define interactions based on customs, traditions, and etiquette. Violating folkway norms does not lead to legal repercussion, but does assert behavior that is seen as deviant from the expected. Mores are norms that define interactions based on the broad morals of society. Violating mores are often described as taboo, but does not lead to legal repercussion. Individuals whom violate mores are seen as harmful to society

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.