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Sociological Imagination Paper

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A sociological imagination is a useful tool when it comes to studying society. It is the ability to look at public issues as an outsider and understand them in a way that is not bias or related to one’s own culture, religion or personal beliefs. It can be useful in understanding health problems as social issues (Germov, 2013). A sociological imagination can help us to understand why the incidence of obesity is increasing despite knowing the health risks that come with it. In this essay I will describe what a sociological imagination is and how it is used to understand why people are obese despite knowing the health risks. Mills, (1959) presented the idea of the sociological imagination and he described it as the concept of being able to “think ourselves away” from the familiar routines of our daily lives in order to look at them anew. The sociological imagination allows us to go beyond personal experiences to recognise that what may seem personal is actually a reflection of wider public issues (Schaefer, 2006). This is useful in forming a new understanding of social processes as we are influenced to have an objective view of personal troubles and public issues. …show more content…

These factors could explain why the incidence of obesity is rising. In my life I try to exercise and watch what I eat to prevent becoming overweight and living an unhealthy lifestyle. This is my choice because I know that obesity can lead to both physical and emotional health problems such as diabetes or depression. (Gavin, 2012) Many people frown upon others who are overweight because they are viewed as embarrassing and unhealthy. This however is only one point of view. Using a sociological imagination, we are able to pull away from the situation and think from an alternative point of view which in this case is viewing obesity as positive. (Crossman,

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