Deviance Theory and Drug Use - 1619 Words

Theories of Deviance Applied to Drug Use Since the dawn of society there have been people whose behavior differed from the rest of society. There are many different theories and perspectives on why people do things like abuse drugs, and although we my never have all the answers, sociology still help us to understand the problem better. In order to understand the theories of deviance, and apply them to drug use in our society one must first understand what deviance is. Alex Thio defines deviance as an act that is considered [Â…] to be a violation of some social rule (448). Social rules that delineate how individuals in a society should behave are called norms. There are two types of norms: mores and folkways. Mores are strong norms†¦show more content†¦Symbolic interactionists would look at the problem in one of three ways. A follower of the differential association theory might say one sees other members of ones subculture abusing or dealing drugs, and they learn to perceive that as normal (Houts 2). The labeli ng theory suggests an individual may have been labeled a drug addict and experienced a change in his or her self image and became a drug addict, or because he or she were given that label were denied some opportunities, and had to resort to that life style to survive (Flory 2). Not only do these theories help us determine the cause of drug abuse, but also its effect on society. Conflict theorists would say that drug abuse creates a chance for lawmakers to exploit the poor. For example, crack, a substance primarily abused by the poor, has harsher punishments and controls on it than cocaine, a substance abused more often by the rich. Power theorist would call attention to the fact that African Americans and Latinos have a higher percentage of imprisonment than whites for possession of a drug that whites use more than African Americans and Latinos combined (Houts 2). Functionalists on the other hand would draw attention to its benefits. Drug abuse creates jobs for people in the field o f law enforcement. Drugs abuse creates a means of educating the young, and helping maintain conformity in society. Drug abuse also benefits those using it by giving them a safety valveShow MoreRelated Deviant Behavior Essay1653 Words   |  7 Pagesis illicit drug use, and examine why this type of behavior is labeled as deviant. By using theoretical approaches, this paper will provide the reader an explanation of why illicit drug use occurs in the first place. Throughout history, all human societies have used drugs, but it hasn’t been until recently considered deviant behavior. 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The change in what is considered â€Å"normal† is customarily a result of society in general. By using a reference group of people, individuals tend to identify with those who are in the lime light. Then when that role model doesRead MoreMenace II Society Essay866 Words   |  4 PagesMenace II Society, a film about a young Black man who has lived the â€Å"hustler† lifestyle and is struggling to leave it, is a perfect example of deviance as the main character, Caine Lawson, and the characters around him violate many of society’s norms. Throughout the film, the characters swear incessantly, carry around guns and drugs as most people would carry around cell phones, commit street crimes, especially burglary and mugging, on a regular basis, and beat and kill people unscrupulously. TheRead MoreWhat Is A Norm?1265 Words   |  6 Pagespunishment for violating a folkway would be less severe than the formal sanctions violating a more or a law would bring about. Like most norms, deviance is socially constructed. An action that may be deviant in one society may be socially acceptable in another. Most of us are aware of what is considered appropriate behavior. However, the job of labeling deviance is left to those around us. One example could be a woman’s clothes. Although her friends may think that her attire is appropriate her parents