Engaging in depth thought and productive classroom discussions

Social Problem & Event

The social problem of substance abuse has been prevalent for many years that different perspectives have been expressed and discussed for and against its practice. Using the three sociological traditions/perspectives, namely, Functionalism / Structuralism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism, the social problem of substance abuse will be explored and interpreted.

In functionalism/structuralism, substance abuse is considered a dysfunction in the society. From a macro-sociological perspective, substance abuse does not perform a specific function in the society. Moreover, since not all people engage in substance abuse, it is not considered the norm, not a part of the society's norms, values, and beliefs. It could also be considered a change in society, a manifestation of change or shift from a functional to a dysfunctional one.

Conflict theory, meanwhile, posits that dysfunctional or deviant behavior such as substance abuse is developed as a form of "escape," wherein the conditions of poverty and helplessness become unbearable and substance abuse is the only solution for the individual to forget his/her poverty and troubles in life. Substance abuse can also be considered a form of rebellion, the creation of a dysfunction in a status quo that favors the wealthy and discourages the poor.

Symbolic interactionism looks at phenomenon or social problems such as substance abuse as a specific kind of culture that must be explored and studied to its very core. Rather than labeling it as a dysfunctional or functional behavior in the society, symbolic interactionism seeks to explain why some people might consider substance abuse as a dysfunction, while others would consider it otherwise (i.e., it has a function in society). It seeks to understand the culture of people who are into substance abuse, determining the actors, different kinds of behavior involved in the phenomenon, and processes involved in the proliferation and perpetuation of this behavior in society.

Question #2

The Civil Rights Movement that happened in the late 1960s was not only historic, but also socially significant event for American society because it served as a catalyst that spurred the development of other movements, such as the African-America, Chicano, and Feminist movements. Because the Civil Rights Movement advocated for equality among all members of American society, it triggered a series of reactions to numerous groups with civil interests. It is not surprising, then, that youth, women, and race-specific groups joined the Civil Rights movement to also push forward their own agenda. Indeed, in the history of feminist and African-American/black American movements, Civil Rights movement is the most significant event that propelled them to popularity and political influence in American society from the 1960s to the present time.