Marijuana use and social control: a sociological perspective on deviance

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Drug use is frequently studied in isolation from broader concepts of deviance.
• Illicit drug consumption is, by definition, a form of delinquent behavior.
• Existing research often overlooks the connection between general delinquency and specific substance use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-examine drug use within the larger framework of deviance.
• To apply a theory of delinquent behavior to marijuana use.
• To offer a robust explanation for marijuana consumption based on social control theory.

Main Methods:

• A modified version of social control theory was utilized.
• The theoretical framework was applied specifically to marijuana use.
• The study focused on explaining the phenomenon of marijuana consumption through the lens of delinquency.

Main Results:

• Social control theory provides a potent framework for understanding marijuana use.
• The application of the theory successfully explains individual engagement in marijuana consumption.
• Viewing marijuana use as delinquent behavior enhances explanatory power.

Conclusions:

• Drug use, particularly illicit use, should be conceptualized as a form of delinquency.
• Social control theory offers significant explanatory power for understanding marijuana use.
• Integrating drug use into the study of deviance provides a more comprehensive understanding.