Crack in this context has been used to mean cocaine. Cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs currently abused in societies, regardless of gender. The article “ Trading sex for Crack: Gender and Power” explores how power and gender contribute to Crack abuse. The main research questions in the report are; how and where do women obtain crack? How do Crack dealers get their value in exchange for their crack? To answer these research questions, the author gives a blueprint on the American setting, highlighting the research done on substance abuse. The author further describes how sex is used as a means of exchange in the crack business. In the same scenario, gender and power themes are evident as most women take advantage of their gender to obtain crack in exchange for sex (Draus, & Carlson, 2009). Consequently, the power of sex and desire for drugs are as well displayed.
A three-year ethnographic field study performed on this topic indicates a wide range of findings. On drug effects and gender, most people strongly believed in a myth crack cocaine abuse leads to an increased sexual urge. On crack and sex negotiations, according to the women’s standpoints, cocaine abuse has little to do with improving one’s sexual excitement. However, most women describe crack-sex negotiations as intense bargaining and inherent or explicit duress, involving intimidations and, at times, physical violence. On crack, sex, and violence, findings indicate that some cocaine-related sexual practices are also associated with either actual violence or threats. Results on sugar daddies and dope boys reveal an assumption that women could find an easy way of obtaining crack by merely exchanging it for sex (Draus, & Carlson, 2009). However, this assumption is common among men.
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From a sociological perspective, deviance is described as practices or behaviors violating informal or formal norms and rules. Sociologists are among the scholars who specialize in studying societal norms in relation to deviance (MacGowan, Dark, Corris, & Nair, 2019). This research is vital for sociological deviance as there are various social norms that a group of drug abusers has violated. Among societal norms that are highly discouraged, substance abuse is listed at the top. According to this research, there is a high rate of cocaine abuse in the American States, including Ohio, New York, and Michigan. Besides, sexual trading is also a prohibited behavior in most societies. Still, findings in this research indicate a high rate of sexual misconduct as most women hover around obtaining drugs in exchange for sex. Male chauvinism is another highly discouraged societal practice due to its impact on the female gender (Draus, & Carlson, 2009). According to the research findings, males view themselves as being superior to female, and this is seen in a situation where most of them harass women sexually, especially after drug abuse.
The most striking features about the findings that attract more attention are; "Drug Effects and Gender" and "Crack sex, and Violence." First, this paper focuses on the effects of drugs and their relation to gender. To realize the impact of substance abuse, it is vital first to identify the commonly abused drugs. Substance abuse has been rampant among most youths and even adults worldwide, and bhang, tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine are listed as the commonly abused drugs. As a result, violation of societal norms with other related effects has been felt globally. Substance abuse is one of the most highly discouraged behaviors because of its diverse influences that range from psychological, social, and physical (Draus, & Carlson, 2009). The results might be short-term or long-term, depending on the type of drug and the abuse's extent.
Drug abuse can cause circulatory-related defects that are generally referred to as cardiovascular diseases. Most stimulant drugs such as methamphetamines and cocaine often have a destructive impact on the heart muscles and blood vessels. Long-term exposure to these drugs increases the chances of developing coronary artery disease, heart attack, and arrhythmia. Substance abuse, more specifically inhalants, also bring about chronic respiratory disorders and other related conditions. Opioids slow down one's respiration by clinching specific central nervous system receptors responsible for regulating respiration. Consequently, a person with such defects encounters a reduced breathing rate and heavy snoring (Draus, & Carlson, 2009). Excessive exposure to the opioid drug might entirely stop one's breathing ability and thus leading to death.
Kidney and liver damage are the other common drug abuse-related conditions. The primary function of the kidney is to ultrafilter excess mineral ions and waste products from the body. However, exposure to Ketamine, Heroine, and manufactured cannabinoids damages the kidney to the extent that it can no longer function usually. Exposure to drugs such as alcohol often affects the liver by killing its cells and tissues, bringing about inflammation, scar formation, and liver failure. Another severe effect of drug abuse is addiction. The desire to want more of a drug every time (Draus, & Carlson, 2009). Most commonly abused drugs such as cocaine, tobacco, bhang, and alcohol are so addictive that one will always look for more. Nevertheless, one should note that excessive exposure to drugs often alters the brain's structure, and as a result, long-term effects are realized (MacGowan, Dark, Corris, & Nair, 2019). Such effects include addiction (inability to stop consuming a drug), relationship challenges, poor academic or work performance, lack of proper hygiene, weight loss, high impulsivity rate and risk-taking practices, and loss of interest or curiosity informally entertaining practices.
Gender in relation to drug abuse is another question of concern, as depicted from the paper's findings. Formally, there are perceptions meant for the male gender. Contrary, in the current situation, it has been firmly proved that this is not the case. Recent studies reveal a high number of women abusing drugs. As per the paper's findings on " Trading sex for Crack: Gender and Power," most research participants revealed that most women obtain drugs such as cocaine by luring men into sexual activities. Biblically, one's body is viewed as a temple and thus should be kept sacred. However, this does not apply to drug abusers. Women use their bodies as their only source of obtaining drugs (Draus, & Carlson, 2009). On the other hand, men drug dealers are controlled by their sexual desires that forces them to engage in sexual practices in exchange for drugs.
Crack, sex and violence is another exciting research finding. Precisely, sex and violence are common practices surrounding crack abuse. As discussed earlier, the whole point of the cocaine business, both in America and across the world, involves sexual misconduct as a means of exchange. Research findings quote some participants stating clearly that after crack abuse, most people become violent, intimidating, and fierce to the point that they harass women sexually. Another woman participant who is also a casualty of crack abuse boldly states that she dislikes getting high with men. She prefers taking cocaine with women to men because most men would need something more ( Draus, & Carlson, 2009). By so saying this, she implies that the men in question would automatically request sex immediately after they get high. In most occasions, the effect of such a scenario is rape or violence, especially when the man’s request is denied.
In conclusion, cocaine (crack) is one of the most commonly abused drugs worldwide, with abusers from both genders. Crack business is a common practice among most American states. However, there is a negative impact recorded among most users, society, and the nation. Sociological deviance is the act of violating socially-enacted rules and norms. Most crack users violate these norms by engaging in highly discouraged activities and behaviors such as; sexual misconduct, violence, excessive drug abuse, and prostitution. Most women acquire these drugs by offering their bodies for sex to drug dealers in exchange. Additionally, some men harass women sexually or physically as a result of crack abuse. These behaviors point out a need for proper awareness of substance abuse and its effects.
References
Draus, P. J. & Carlson, R. G. (2009). Trading Sex for Crack: Gender and Power. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 38 (3), 475-4884.
MacGowan, G. A., Dark, J. H., Corris, P. A., & Nair, A. R. (2019). Effects of drug abuse, smoking and alcohol on donor hearts and lungs. Transplant International , 32 (10), 1019-1027.
