Directions: Carefully read each of the following seven scenarios. Then select the theory that best explains the drug-related actions depicted in each scenario (See chapter 6  in Goode’s book). Finally, see if you can distinguish whether each theory is positivist or contructionist in nature.  The attached file has the answers.

 Theories:  Anomie  Social Learning  Social Control 

Self-Control    Subcultural   Selective Interaction  Conflict

1. Dean never enjoyed the smell of marijuana or the way it made him feel. However, he began to enjoy the way marijuana made him feel after he converted to a different religion and participated in the ceremonial ritual of marijuana smoking. Dean continued using marijuana with the group.

 Theory: ________________________________________________

2. Leslie’s parents never cared to reprimand her bad behavior as a child. At the age of twelve she began binge drinking because it made her feel good and she always had fun while intoxicated. Without regard to consequences, Leslie also enjoyed stealing and fighting while intoxicated.

 Theory: ________________________________________________

3. James grew up with his mother and sister in a small apartment complex in a low income neighborhood. Once James turned 16 he assumed the responsibility of helping his mother pay rent and paying for his own goods. However, he never had the privilege of attending a good school, or obtaining a good job. Thus, instead of working a minimum wage job James turned to selling cocaine and crack.

 Theory: ________________________________________________

Theories:  Anomie  Social Learning Social Control 

Self-Control    Subcultural   Selective Interaction  Conflict

4. Jeanne grew up next to James in the same low income neighborhood. She bought crack from James and used it to give her more energy and thus alleviate some of the stress from working three jobs to support her children. Before long she began using more and more crack. Her neighborhood lacked the power necessary to stop drug dealing or to acquire drug prevention and treatment services. Lacking the time and money to obtain drug treatment in the neighboring county, she was soon arrested and incarcerated for buying crack from an uncover officer. Jeanne lost her jobs, her apartment, and her children to social services. Then another drug dealer moved into her old apartment.

 Theory: ________________________________________________

5. Max was a writer who sought altered states of consciousness to inspire his work. In high school he quickly made friends with fellow writers, most of whom also used drugs to inspire creativity in their work. Despite parental warning, they would often gather to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana. By their junior year they were using LSD and cocaine. Later in college, Max sought out other writers that used illicit drugs to facilitate the writing process.

 Theory: ________________________________________________

Theories:  Anomie  Social Learning Social Control 

Self-Control   Subcultural   Selective Interaction  Conflict

6. In high school Janie joined the cheerleading squad. In search of friends she accepted an invitation to a party where alcohol was present. Senior cheerleaders taught her the differences between different drinks, how much to drink, and how to survive hangovers. Those who drank seemed to get more attention and have more friends than those who declined alcohol drinks. They never got in trouble with the law or their parents. Janie continued drinking alcohol on a regular basis with other cheerleaders.

 Theory: ________________________________________________

7. Mario never had a stake in society: He had no close friends, no family, little education, little material possessions, and no job.  With nothing left to lose Mario drank heavily day and night. 

 Theory: ________________________________________________

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