Question 1

Which theoretical analysis points out that the social standing of drug users is related to how severely our society punishes illegal drug use?

Accepted Answer

Social-conflict analysis points out that the social standing of drug users is related to how severely our society punishes illegal drug use. This analysis argues that the criminalization of drug use is an example of how the political and economic elites maintain control over the lower classes by labeling their behavior as deviant and punishing them for it. The punishment for drug use is often more severe for lower-income people and minorities, while wealthy and powerful people receive lesser punishment or may not even face consequences for their drug use.

Question 2

Following which political perspective do people argue that drug laws reflect the interests of the rich and powerful and criminalize poor people and minorities?

Accepted Answer

The perspective that argues that drug laws reflect the interests of the rich and powerful and criminalize poor people and minorities is the radical left. This perspective views drug criminalization as a way for the ruling class to maintain control over marginalized communities and prevent them from challenging the existing power structures. It also sees drug laws as inherently racist and classist, targeting communities of color and low-income individuals while ignoring the drug use of wealthier white populations. This perspective advocates for the legalization or decriminalization of drugs as a way to promote social justice and reduce the harm caused by drug use.

Question 3

The man who founded Alcoholics Anonymous is

Accepted Answer

Bill Wilson is widely recognized as the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, along with Dr. Bob Smith. He played a significant role in shaping the organization and its famous 12-step program. Therefore, option A is the correct choice.

Question 4

The structural-functional approach calls attention to

Accepted Answer

The structural-functional approach in sociology focuses on how various parts of society work together to maintain stability and order. Choice A highlights this perspective by considering both the positive and negative impacts of drugs on societal functioning, aligning with the approach's emphasis on the roles different elements play in maintaining or disrupting social order.

Question 5

In which European city did an experiment in removing criminal penalties for use of drugs including heroin turn out badly?

Accepted Answer

The experiment of removing criminal penalties for drug use, including heroin, was carried out in Zurich, Switzerland in the 1990s. It turned out to be a failure as drug-related crimes and violence increased in the city, leading to the reintroduction of criminal penalties for drug use.

Question 6

What policy would remove the current criminal penalties that punish the manufacturing, sale, and personal use of drugs?

Accepted Answer

Decriminalization is the policy that removes criminal penalties for the manufacturing, sale, and personal use of drugs. This means that drug offenses would be treated more like a civil violation, and individuals would not face jail time for drug-related activities. Normalization, prohibition, and participation do not address the issue of criminal penalties for drug offenses.

Question 7

President Reagan advanced a conservative position defining drugs as a moral challenge and urged parents to teach their children the importance of resisting drugs, capturing this idea in the slogan

Accepted Answer

The correct slogan that captures the conservative position defining drugs as a moral challenge and urging parents to teach their children the importance of resisting drugs is "Just say no to drugs." This was the slogan of Nancy Reagan's anti-drug campaign, which was supported and promoted by President Reagan during his presidency. The slogan was a clear message to young people that drug use was unacceptable and should be avoided at all costs. The campaign emphasized individual responsibility and the importance of making the right choices in life.

Question 8

Which political perspective is based on support for personal freedom and a tolerant view of "soft" drugs?

Accepted Answer

The political perspective that supports personal freedom and a tolerant view of "soft" drugs is liberalism. Liberalism emphasizes individual freedoms and rights, and tends to advocate for decriminalization or legalization of drug use. Conservatives, on the other hand, tend to take a more law and order approach to drug policy, while radical left perspectives may vary in their views on drug policy.

Question 9

From which political point of view would we say that young people who are raised by committed, involved parents and guided by religious beliefs and caring teachers are likely to resist any temptation presented by drugs?

Accepted Answer

The belief that traditional family values, religious beliefs, and strong parental guidance can help individuals resist drugs aligns with conservative political ideology. Conservatives often prioritize personal responsibility, traditional values, and law and order, which all relate to anti-drug attitudes.

Question 10

Which theoretical analysis focuses on the changing ways we define any particular drug over time?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic-interaction analysis focuses on how meaning is created and shared through social interactions. This theoretical perspective would be interested in understanding how different groups and individuals define drugs and how these definitions change over time.

Question 11

Which political position would lead you to claim that the government threatens civil liberties by using police power to make arrests, seize property, and monitor the lives of individuals suspected of using drugs?

Accepted Answer

The idea that the government threatens civil liberties by using police power to make arrests, seize property, and monitor the lives of individuals suspected of using drugs is a libertarian view. The radical-right and libertarian positions both support limited government interference in individual lives and the protection of civil liberties.

Quiz 8: Alcohol and Other Drugs