Sociological theories are used to emphasize aspects important aspects of the social environment, social interaction, social structure, and social culture. The functionalist theory states that society is a system of interconnected parts which work together to maintain harmony and a state of social equilibrium and balance as a whole. Functionalists believe that collective shared beliefs and values are important to achieving social order (Ritzer and Stepnisky, 2017). Drug use and legalization applies to the functionalist theory in several ways. According to the theory, drug use is functional for several members of the society.
People that use drugs find it functional because it provides the positive physiological effects associated with drug use. For people that sell illegal and legal drugs, drug use is functional because it provides a source of income. Illegal drug use is also functional for the criminal justice system because it provides jobs for court officials, police, and prison workers (Lyman, 2013). Social service agencies and organizations that focus on helping those addicted to drugs find drug use functional. While there are many parties involved that find drug use and legalization functional, the use of drugs still presents several dysfunctions to the society.
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The functional theory aligns with my view of the use and legalization of drugs to society. A drug like marijuana should be made legal to ensure correct usage. According to the functionalist theory, the drug offers the desired physiological effects and drug stores that sell it legally benefit through sales. The current illegalization of marijuana presents several problems such as several arrests and increased use of the drug. The illegalization of marijuana has not decreased the use of marijuana in any way. Legalization will enable the government to control the appropriate use of the drug and resultantly decrease its usage. Legalizing marijuana would thus be highly beneficial to society.
References
Lyman, M. D. (2013). Drugs in society: Causes, concepts, and control . Routledge.
Ritzer, G., & Stepnisky, J. (2017). Modern sociological theory . SAGE Publications.
