Sociology: Crime & Deviance

Question

What sociological perspective (functionalism, symbolic interaction, or critical) best explains the causes of addiction in a small town? How does it do this?

The reason I ask this is because I have to write an essay on this topic given 2 sociological perspectives and am not sure which 2 I should focus on. Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

To be honest, you could use the first two very well to explain addiction. It depends upon where you believe the focus should be.

 

By using the functionalist perspective, you could argue the anomie theory in which people may engage in deviant behaviors to achieve their perceived goals or "get back" at society.  In this case, there is a break down of society that does not allow a bond between an individual and society to exist.  If that bond existed, say between government and citizen, a person would feel compelled to follow the law or adhere to social norms that discourage addictive behaviors.

 

By using the symbolic interaction perspective, you could argue that a deviant already within the small town has had some sort of positive interaction with others allowing them to look positively upon addiction.  There is motivation and meaning behind the addition for the user itself which is why they engage in it.  Also, you could argue the usage of the labeling theory to further promote addictive behaviors.  If a person internalizes the label of drug user, for example, they may feel the need to fulfill the requirements of that label (so to speak).  Also, then that the addiction is deviant behavior because the non-deviants in the small town has labeled it as such.

 

It depends on where you want to focus honestly.  You can build a strong argument with any of them as long as you add the support and examples as necessary.