DISCUSSION QUESTION

1. Referencing Merton’s Strain Theory, do you feel the “American Dream” leads to strain? How?
2. According to labeling theory, in what ways might the labeling of deviance encourage further deviance?
3. How might one argue, from a conflict perspective, that most states still banning marijuana use are not necessarily a reflection of the opinions of average Americans but a reflection of the view of those with the capacity to make laws?
4. How would someone using a feminist theoretical perspective explain deviance? How do feminist theories differ from more traditional theories of deviance?