In the 1990s, the crack epidemic, which often affected poor, inner-city Black communities, was met with harsher sentencing laws. Today, when opioid overdoses are epidemic in white middle-class communities, the societal response is geared more toward treatment and prevention. This disparity in response is most consistent with which approach?
A) Functionalist
B) Conflict
C) Postmodern
D) Feminist

Question

In the 1990s, the crack epidemic, which often affected poor, inner-city Black communities, was met with harsher sentencing laws. Today, when opioid overdoses are epidemic in white middle-class communities, the societal response is geared more toward treatment and prevention. This disparity in response is most consistent with which approach?   
A) Functionalist
B) Conflict
C) Postmodern
D) Feminist

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The unequal response to the crack epidemic and the opioid epidemic suggests a conflict approach. The harsher sentencing laws for crack, which disproportionately affected poor, inner-city Black communities, reflect the power dynamics and systemic racism within society. The more compassionate response to the opioid epidemic in white, middle-class communities may be influenced by privilege and economic interests.

In the 1990s, the Crack Epidemic, Which Often Affected Poor