Deviance, Crime, and Social Control - Introduction

Deviance, Crime, and Social Control SOCI 1306 Introduction The way that marijuana has become legal in the US is a powerful example of how society's ideas about deviation may change over time. Marijuana usage was highly stigmatised and categorised as an illicit narcotic for many years. Users were usually stereotyped as indolent, criminals, or social misfits; these unfavourable views sometimes overlapped with racial biases. In 1969, when Gallup first inquired about marijuana legalisation, just 12% of American people supported it due to the pervasiveness of this belief. Marijuana was viewed at the time as a serious menace to society, especially for young people. Thanks to strict legal regulations and decades of anti-drug advertising, the idea that marijuana is a hazardous gateway drug has gained traction. The strong sanctions for possession and usage, which sometimes led in serious legal and social repercussions for those apprehended, mirrored this viewpoint. But from the start of the twenty-first century, things started to change. A significant change was seen by the Pew Research Centre in 2013: for the first time, the majority of Americans (52 percent) favoured the legalisation of marijuana. This change in the public's perception did not happen overnight. It was brought about by a number of things, including as rising public understanding of cannabis' medical advantages, the shortcomings of the War on Drugs, and the expanding criminal justice reform movement. Since its inception in the 1970s, the War on Drugs has resulted in the mass imprisonment of countless people, disproportionately impacting communities of colour. Marijuana prohibitions were reevaluated as the costs to society and ineffectiveness of these policies became more evident. By 2019, two-thirds of Americans supported legalising some uses of marijuana, decriminalising it, and ending the mandatory minimum sentence for users. Public support for legalisation had risen to 67 percent. This resounding backing resulted in political action. Several states started to change their laws, allowing marijuana for medicinal purposes, decriminalising possession, or outright legalising its usage for recreational purposes. This legislative change was a recognition of the social and economic advantages of legalisation as well as a response to shifting public opinion. States that legalised marijuana experienced large increases in tax income and employment. Legalisation also freed up resources for law enforcement to concentrate on more severe crimes and lessened the load on the criminal justice system. The way that marijuana usage is now seen socially acceptable is changing in line with previous changes in how people view deviance. Social movements, shifting knowledge, and shifting ideals all influence the evolution of social standards, which are never static. Over time, behaviours and lifestyles that were formerly considered abnormal—like having breast implants, tattoos, vegetarianism, being a single parent, and even jogging—have grown to be accepted. Every one of these shifts was met with a unique mix of discussions and opposition, frequently because they went against ingrained societal norms and beliefs. Divorce, for example, used to be highly stigmatised since it disrupted the core social structure of the family. Divorce became increasingly socially acceptable throughout time as the stigma faded, reflecting larger shifts in society perceptions of marriage and individual freedom. In a same vein, the evolving cultural perspective on marijuana usage is indicative of a wider movement towards more liberal and individualistic ideas about personal freedom and the role of government in controlling behaviour. The legalisation of marijuana serves as a prime example of how societal norms and the definition of deviance are subject to change. What is viewed as abnormal by one culture or age may be accepted or even welcomed by another. The quick changes to marijuana's legal status across the US demonstrate this mobility. Marijuana's path from being an illegal narcotic with harsh consequences to becoming legal in many forms in almost every state is indicative of a profound shift in society values and perspectives. In addition, the reconsideration of marijuana's legal status has sparked more extensive conversations on drug regulation, criminal justice reform, and public health. The push for change intensified as more people became aware of the medical advantages of cannabis as well as the social inequities that its prohibition caused. This change in perspective also emphasises how lobbying and education may help modify society norms. Policymakers, scholars, and activists were instrumental in influencing public opinion and advancing legislative reforms. Essentially, the evolution of marijuana from a drug associated with deviance to one that is becoming more and more acceptable and legalised serves as an example of how social norms and the definition of deviance are dynamic. It demonstrates how social movements, fresh information, and shifting morals can all cause cultural attitudes to change. This development serves as a reminder that social norms and deviances are dynamic concepts that are constantly negotiated and altered. Further changes in social norms and legal frameworks may be made possible by the reevaluation of other formerly stigmatised drugs and activities that marijuana is causing to gain more acceptance. In summary, the process of legalising marijuana in the US is an amazing illustration of how society's perceptions of deviation may evolve over time. Marijuana's evolving status as a drug, from highly stigmatised and outlawed to becoming legal in many states, is a reflection of wider changes in social norms, public opinion, and legislative frameworks. This shift emphasises how social views are fluid and how society constantly negotiates what is deemed abnormal or acceptable. The legalisation of marijuana is developing, and this makes it an excellent example of the effectiveness of activism, education, and little but significant changes in society norms.