Drugs: What Are They?

Howard Becker is the most widely cited sociologist in the field of deviance and criminology. In 1963 he published, Outsiders: Studies of Deviance, a best-seller and template for Labeling Theory in the Sociology of Deviance.

Labeling theory argues that deviance is created by labels, not by the actions themselves.  Labeling theory also explains that people who are in positions of power are those with the power to label. Those labels create deviance and impact the identity and treatment of those being labeled. Becker and n his classic, “Outsiders” explains how the label “criminal” or “deviant” is applied depending on who is doing the crime. 

Consider the following: Most Americans are concerned about street crime much. more than white collar crime; yet. white collar crime costs society exponentially more than all street crime combined. Likewise, those involved in expensive crimes that have an impact on society, usually go unpunished the same was a pot smoker or someone who holds up a liquor store might be. 

As you read the article, consider how Becker argues that substances are just things; and just like activities, are not good or bad, unless someone in power labels them as such. He bases his narrative on research and myths regarding marijuana that he has been conducting for 60 years. 

Here is his article, based on Labeling Theory, that discusses how definitions matter!

You can find “Drugs: What Are They” here —> Becker-2001-Drugs-WhatAreThey.pdfDownload Becker-2001-Drugs-WhatAreThey.pdf

After reading the article, consider these questions:

1. What is Becker’s argument concerning ‘the drug problem’ in the U.S.?

2. How do people respond to labels such as “drug” or “narcotic” versus “medicine” or “dr. proscribed?”

3. 33 states have legalized medical marijuana; and 11 states + the District of Columbia has made recreational marijuana legal.

Given the medical community’s reports on medical uses, do you think making marijuana legal on the federal level is a good idea? Why or why not?