Title: Substance Abuse & the Conflict Theory | Healthfully
Headings: Substance Abuse & the Conflict Theory
Substance Abuse & the Conflict Theory
Substance Abuse
Conflict Theory
Drugs Abuse and Socioeconomic Plight
Drug Laws and Enforcement
Power and Representation

Content: Conflict theory argues that the law and the coercive power of the state (which is generally believed to function in the service of the higher class) is commonly targeted and deployed against marginalized groups as a means of reinforcing the social structure. Additionally, they are more likely to be seen as undesirables and thus given harsher punishments than their counterparts from the dominant class. Power and Representation
Conflict theory illustrates how marginalized groups lack the power and representation necessary to better their place in the world, and how the status quo works to preserve and reproduce itself rather than change to accommodate equality. Thus, substance abuse is largely a social-structural problem, exacerbated by pre-existing social circumstances. Critics of conflict theory argue that structural inequality is not an excuse for making bad personal decisions, but they fail to realize that what they consider intolerable behavior in members of marginalized groups they often excuse in members of their own group. Since marginalized groups lack power in society, they also lack the representation and authority necessary to better their situation. Realizing this, they often sink further into the plights associated with substance abuse. However, through fighting for more representation and recognition in society, some communities manage to overcome their struggle with substance abuse. Conflict theory illustrates how marginalized groups lack the power and representation necessary to better their place in the world, and how the status quo works to preserve and reproduce itself rather than change to accommodate equality. However, through fighting for more representation and recognition in society, some communities manage to overcome their struggle with substance abuse.