Health Issues, Sociological Theories and Classism

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Outlined within this essay are two sociological theories which have been investigated this will be in conjunction with a contemporary health issue. This then will be related to how the individual’s lifestyle and social class to give the reader a better understanding of this health issue. Functionalism perspective will be the first sociological theory reviewed. Functiolism is one of the earliest sociological perspectives Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) who was German developed ideas for the first time relating to functionalism. Socialization occurs within this perspective, individuals learn the rules of a group, as this theory highlights all members of society has a role to play. Social class is not an issue with this theory although value and ethic’s consensus is essential for effective functioning within society. This theory concentrates on different parts of society to see how it works, for example, a church, family and government this perspective looks at these to see what contribution this play to the entire social system. Durkheim states that the social system work’s like an organic system it can be he same way the body works which parts of the body are all depended on another, this theorist explains society is like this. We Must “Analyse the contribution which practises the institution makes to the continuation of society as a whole” (Giddens p.710 1995) Functionalist state they do not concentrate on conflict or division within society. However, Durkheim does mention society is together by certain parts of the social system sharing values. If any of the above fails to work together, functionalists explain this as a ‘loss of social solidarity, a lack of integration or a loss of equilibrium’ (Jones 2003 p.38) the key conc... ... middle of paper ... ...r height in metres, a healthy BMI for an adult is 18.5 to 25 and if you are classed as obese, your BMI is 30 or more. (Astrup 2009) If the individual suffers from obesity this could lead to other health problems such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, respiratory problems and some cancers. Figures in 2003 showed that almost two-thirds of men (64%) and more than half of women (57%) were overweight including obese. These statistics illustrate the extent of the problem in Scotland. (Scottish Government 2003) Stastics in 2007 concluded that Scotland has one of the highest levels of obesity second to the USA. (Scottish Government 2007) Obesity is more popular among children one in five children in Scotland aged 12 are clinically obese. (Chalmers 2007) Obesity can be related to the individuals socio economic status, this is what social class the individual fits in to.

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