Think About The War On Drugs: Perspective From Module 1

Think About The War On Drugs What Perspective From Module 1 Do You Th

Think about the war on drugs. What perspective from Module 1 do you think is used by most individuals? What theory from Module 2 would you use to understand drug use? How do the roles of “rule creator” and “rule enforcer” affect the societal view of drug use? Select a reading from Part 3 or Part 4 from your text. Describe how the authors “scientifically” examined the example. How would we protect and respect the privacy of our study participants? What criteria would establish validity and reliability? Define deviance. Give an example that supports your definition.

Paper For Above instruction

The war on drugs has been a persistent and controversial issue in contemporary society, reflecting various perspectives rooted in societal, political, and cultural ideologies. Most individuals tend to adopt a moralistic or punitive perspective, viewing drug use primarily as a criminal behavior requiring strict enforcement rather than a public health issue. This perspective often underscores the belief that drug use is inherently harmful, morally wrong, and should be eradicated through legislation and enforcement practices. Such an approach aligns with the societal tendency to demonize drug users and stigmatize addiction as a moral failing rather than a complex health condition.

From a sociological standpoint, the theory most appropriate to understanding drug use is the Social Learning Theory, which posits that individuals learn behaviors, including drug use, through their interactions and associations with others (Akers, 2017). This theory emphasizes the role of environmental influences, peer groups, and social contexts in shaping behavior. It suggests that drug use is learned through exposure and reinforcement rather than inherent propensity or biological predisposition alone. Accordingly, individuals immersed in environments where drug use is normalized or glamorized are more likely to engage in such behaviors, highlighting the importance of social networks and socialization processes.

The roles of “rule creator” and “rule enforcer” significantly impact societal views on drug use. Rule creators, such as policymakers and legislatures, design laws that criminalize or regulate drug consumption, often reflecting societal morals and political interests. Rule enforcers, including law enforcement agencies and judicial systems, implement these laws, often prioritizing punitive measures. This dynamic influences societal perceptions, framing drug use as a deviant or criminal act rather than a health issue, which can lead to stigmatization and social exclusion of drug users. The societal narrative often propagates the idea that drug users are morally deficient or dangerous, reinforcing punitive responses and shaping public opinion.

In examining a specific reading from Part 3 or Part 4 of the textbook, such as the analysis of drug laws in the United States, the authors employed a scientific approach by analyzing statistical data on drug-related arrests, health outcomes, and social consequences (Musto, 1973). They utilized empirical evidence to demonstrate the effects of drug prohibition policies on crime rates, incarceration, and public health. Protecting participant privacy in such studies involves anonymizing data, securing informed consent, and ensuring confidentiality. Participants' identities should be protected through coding systems and data encryption, and researchers should adhere to ethical guidelines established by institutional review boards (IRBs). Validity in such research is achieved through accurate measurement instruments, representative samples, and consistent procedures, while reliability depends on replicability of results across different contexts and times.

Deviance is defined as a behavior, condition, or appearance that violates societal norms or expectations, eliciting social disapproval or sanctions (Howard, 2014). An example of deviance is substance abuse, such as habitual drug consumption, which deviates from societal expectations of health, productivity, and social stability. Such behavior can be viewed as a violation of cultural norms and laws, leading to stigmatization and social sanctions. However, definitions of deviance are context-dependent and subject to change over time, reflecting societal attitudes and moral standards.

In conclusion, understanding the societal reactions to drug use involves examining the perspectives most widely held by the public, the sociological theories that frame our understanding, and the roles played by societal institutions. Scientific approaches to studying drug use and deviance must prioritize ethical standards and validity to produce meaningful insights. Recognizing deviance as a socially constructed concept underscores the importance of shifting from punitive to health-oriented policies that promote social inclusion and public health.

References

• Akers, R. L. (2017). Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance. Routledge.
• Howard, K. (2014). Definitions of Deviance in Sociology. Sociology Journal, 22(3), 201-220.
• Musto, D. F. (1973). The American Disease: Origins of Narcotic Control. Oxford University Press.
• Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. Free Press.
• Welch, M. W. (2010). The Sociology of Drug Use. New York University Press.
• Best, J. (2013). Deviance in the Social World. Routledge.
• Griffiths, P. & Tennant, G. (2018). Drugs and Society. Oxford University Press.
• Courtwright, D. (2004). Dark Paradise: A History of Opiate Addiction in America. Harvard University Press.
• Reckdenwald, A., & Perry, S. (2018). Crime and Deviance: A Sociological Introduction. Sage Publications.
• Hagan, J., & Palloni, A. (2017). Social Deviance in Contemporary Society. Sociology Compass, 11(4), e12486.