Conflict Theory On Marijuana
Issue Exposé #1
It is known that cannabis is a popular drug amongst university students. My peers and close friends smoke pot for a variety of reasons – aid sleep, cope with stress, etc. Almost everyone in my group circle welcomes the legalization of marijuana. With time, the perception and attitudes marijuana has altered; in the 1900s(?) it was perceived as a drug that causes deviant behavior, and in present day, it is seen as a plant with healing properties, used medically. Marijuana is many health benefits such as helping to regulate appetite, pain sensation, mood, memory, immune activation (November 9, lecture). Marijuana has the least health risks amongst the other drugs. The legalization of recreational marijuana is celebrated amongst …show more content…
Class conflicts of power and status as well as economic class can be seen with the discussion of enforcement of marijuana. Conflict theory can be applied to the changes (legalizing marijuana) in the social structures as this theory argues that people “pursue their interest in conflict with others and according to their resources for social organization” (Collins 414). Pertaining to a conflict theorist perspective, the social problem of legalizing recreational cannabis, is between two groups of people - the people who has power (i.e. bourgeoisie) to influence and change laws and regulations and the people (i.e. proletariat) who has to obey those laws and regulations. The definition of deviance and the norms in society will be altered by the changing of the laws. There is a power differentiation between the rich and the poor. As the rich holds dominate power on society, they have the ability to control the status quo, such as how marijuana should be legally legislated. By passing legal legislation and enforcing the laws, the powerful people (i.e. government, the elite) are able to maintain order in society. Through legalization, economic dominance and subordination of others will be created. Through the conflict theorists’ perspective, the legalization of marijuana can create problems based on how the laws will be enforced, as there will be a creation of an elite group who maintains dominace and exploit the lower socioeconomic
It is known that cannabis is a popular drug amongst university students. My peers and close friends smoke pot for a variety of reasons – aid sleep, cope with stress, etc. Almost everyone in my group circle welcomes the legalization of marijuana. With time, the perception and attitudes marijuana has altered; in the 1900s(?) it was perceived as a drug that causes deviant behavior, and in present day, it is seen as a plant with healing properties, used medically. Marijuana is many health benefits such as helping to regulate appetite, pain sensation, mood, memory, immune activation (November 9, lecture). Marijuana has the least health risks amongst the other drugs. The legalization of recreational marijuana is celebrated amongst …show more content…
Class conflicts of power and status as well as economic class can be seen with the discussion of enforcement of marijuana. Conflict theory can be applied to the changes (legalizing marijuana) in the social structures as this theory argues that people “pursue their interest in conflict with others and according to their resources for social organization” (Collins 414). Pertaining to a conflict theorist perspective, the social problem of legalizing recreational cannabis, is between two groups of people - the people who has power (i.e. bourgeoisie) to influence and change laws and regulations and the people (i.e. proletariat) who has to obey those laws and regulations. The definition of deviance and the norms in society will be altered by the changing of the laws. There is a power differentiation between the rich and the poor. As the rich holds dominate power on society, they have the ability to control the status quo, such as how marijuana should be legally legislated. By passing legal legislation and enforcing the laws, the powerful people (i.e. government, the elite) are able to maintain order in society. Through legalization, economic dominance and subordination of others will be created. Through the conflict theorists’ perspective, the legalization of marijuana can create problems based on how the laws will be enforced, as there will be a creation of an elite group who maintains dominace and exploit the lower socioeconomic