Notes: Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorder Theory:
Symbolic Interactionism Theory:
-learned through individual experience
-Individually learned norms lead to adopted and enacted norms, met by society as a whole
-In the US, Prohibition changed norms surrounding alcohol and drug use.
Structural Functionalism Theory:
-Behavior & norms are reinforced in the functions of society to uphold peace and social stability.
-Views society as systems & institutions= religious organizations, governments, & education systems.
-Collapse of one system=instability of society=individual rely on substances for aid or escape of mental illness.
Conflict Theory:
-Power imbalances=social conflicts=deviant behavior
-2 main social classes: bourgeoisie & the proletariat
-Impacts of race, religion, & ethnicity on power distribution within a society.
-Bourgeoisie= view alcoholism & substance abuse in different light than other people: it can be ignored.
-support can be provided for those struggling.
-Proletariat= left to fend for themselves
-no means of support, often ends up spiraling downward.
-Clashing of classes= mental health, physical health, quality education divides.