SOC127 Alcohol and Drugs Question #1 Final Exam, Post University 2025

                    SOC127 Alcohol and Drugs Question #1 Final Exam

Please discuss the racial and ethnic inequalities related to drug laws. What is the research related to minorities being unfairly targeted related to drug laws, policy, and or incarceration? 

Personally, I don’t believe that certain minorities are specifically targeted by the color of their skin or ethnic background. I believe that many factors affect whether a person chooses to use drugs which include how they are raised and who they choose to associate with. People make the choice to use drugs and break the law. Others choose not to, and I don’t believe those factors are based on the color of their skin or background.  

Socio-economic Factors and Drug-Related Crime: 

Poverty and Lack of Opportunity: Poverty, lack of access to education, and limited employment opportunities can contribute to involvement in drug-related activities, both in terms of use and sale, as individuals may turn to drugs as a coping mechanism or engage in drug dealing for economic survival.  

Neighborhood Factors: Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods with high rates of poverty and crime can expose individuals to environments where drug use and trafficking are more prevalent.  

Health and Mental Health Disparities: Lack of access to affordable healthcare and mental health services can lead to substance use disorders and related criminal behavior, further exacerbating disparities 

 

The Intersection of Socio-economic Factors and Race: 

• Systemic Inequality: Historical and ongoing systemic racism has created and perpetuated economic and social disparities, placing communities of color at a disadvantage.  
• Cycle of Disadvantage: The impacts of discriminatory policies like the "War on Drugs" have disproportionately harmed communities of color, exacerbating poverty, limiting opportunities, and contributing to higher rates of drug-related arrests and incarceration.  
• Compounding Factors: Racial bias in law enforcement and the criminal justice system can compound the negative impacts of poverty and limited opportunities, leading to a cycle of disadvantage.