Ethnographic Study Of Obesity Essay

Obesity is a complex medical and socioeconomic epidemic described by the CDC as “a common, serious, and costly chronic disease of adults and children.” (CDC, 2022). When sociologists study obesity, it is often accomplished through field work. While using case studies to observe a participant can help to narrow down an individual's experience with obesity, case studies are limited and most useful for isolated situations. Since obesity is an epidemic, there is a greater interest in the broader spectrum of obesity, and the effects of not only genetics but the environment one lives in. Participant observation, through an ethnographic study, can give sociologists direct access to communities and groups with similar socioeconomic status (SES), to

This is a point of self-development where we imagine other people's reactions to ourselves and base our image (what we wear, our association, even our interests) on these perceptions. Using others as mirrors. This can become a challenge to self-worth considering the stigma of obesity, and the subsequent increase of stress this causes, in regard to discrimination and lack of opportunity. We may develop limiting beliefs, that make the freedom of change appear unattainable (Cockerham, 2022). However, this can also be attributed to what Karl Marx called false consciousness. The self-image we have constructed may not be in our best interest. False consciousness in regard to SES and obesity may instill ideals that support unworthiness. That good health is only afforded to those with a higher SES. This view can be amplified for those in a lower SES as they experience significant amounts of stress due to the role strain that comes along with less opportunity for economic growth (Cockerham, 2022). Looking at the connection between stress and obesity, we can see how individuals with a lower SES may experience more stress due to role strain leading to role conflicts (i.e. splitting time between working full-time, parenting, and keeping a clean home). There can be a lack of support, often monetary or from interpersonal relationships. When a primary caregiver is also highly stressed, due to these role strains, there is a significant amount of time taken away from the nurturing that can sometimes be found in homes with higher SES. Chronic strains that are formed from social roles can be highly stressful and eventually cause negative effects on personal relationships (Cockerham, 2022). Groups The reference group, which is often a peer group, of an individual can dictate views on body image.