Sociological Perspectives on Drugs

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions from the lecture notes on sociological perspectives of drug use and policies.

Stages of a moral campaign

The steps or phases involved in advocating for a moral issue.

Moral entrepreneurs

Individuals or groups that seek to create or enforce rules pertaining to social behavior.

Defining deviance up and down

Adjusting the criteria for what is considered deviant behavior, raising or lowering the threshold.

Boggs Act of 1951

Legislation that influenced the development of drug laws, including the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.

Thomas's Theorem

The idea that situations defined as real are real in their consequences, particularly in drug studies.

Addiction

The historical concept that describes a chronic condition often linked with substance use.

Sources and limitations of drug statistics

The origins of drug usage data and factors that can affect the accuracy of this data.

Stigmatization

The social process of labeling certain behaviors or groups as deviant, leading to discrimination.

Techniques of neutralization

Cognitive strategies used by individuals to justify their deviant behaviors.

Career deviance vs. deviant careers

Difference between engaging in deviant actions temporarily versus making it a sustained career.

Risk and protection factors

Elements that increase the likelihood of drug use versus those that help prevent it.

Sociological perspective on drugs

An approach that analyzes how cultural, social, and economic factors influence drug use.

Cultural portrayal of drug users

The societal narratives and stereotypes about individuals who use drugs.

Othering

The process of distancing or alienating people from a perceived norm.

Racist history of drug panics

Historical instances where drug-related fears disproportionately targeted racial minorities.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A condition resulting from alcohol exposure during pregnancy, linked to various social factors.

Demographic correlates of drug use

Statistics outlining patterns of drug use among different demographic groups.

Altered consciousness

A mental state differing from normal waking consciousness, often influenced by drugs.

Zero-tolerance policies

Strict enforcement practices that do not allow for discretion in drug offenses.

Pharmaceutical companies vs drug cartels

Comparison between legal drug manufacturers and illegal drug distributors regarding practices.

Decriminalization vs legalization

Differences between reducing criminal penalties for drug use versus fully legalizing it.

Drug education programs effectiveness

The assessment of programs designed to prevent drug abuse and their impact.

Drug courts

Specialized court systems that focus on treatment and rehabilitation for drug offenders.

Harm reduction approach

A strategy aimed at minimizing the negative consequences associated with drug use.