"
One study examined 595 participants, who filled out questionnaires for the research and concluded that social bonding issues play a part in social deviance including the use of drugs and alcohol (Pawlak, 1993).
Relating Theory to Social Issue
Relating the two criminology theories to the current social issue of adolescent substance abuse, is relatively easy to do. In each of the theories, studies have been conducted to ascertain the amount, if any, of substance abuse that the theories support. Both of the theories have relatively clear markers for how they impact the possibility of adolescent substance abuse.
The research into the labeling theory, clearly indicates that adolescents often develop their self-image by the reaction of society to their existence. If a teenager believes he is labeled as a problem, or a throw-away child, he will most likely develop poor self-esteem, and one of the consequences of that low self-esteem, may turn out to be problems with substance abuse.
If the teen believes that society favors him and labels him as a productive member of society, he is less inclined to become involved in substance abuse.
When it comes to the social bonding theory, a similar correlation can be found between the theory itself and the current social issue of adolescent substance abuse.
When an adolescent is found to have strong ties to family, religion, work and education that adolescent is statistically less inclined to become involved with substance abuse according to the studies conducted on the subject.
Conversely if an adolescent does not have a strong social bond with the above listed elements of life, that adolescent is statistically at a higher risk for developing substance abuse issues.
Influence
Each of the two theories has an influential role on societal behavior as they provide...
The understanding of criminal theories can help to develop future programs that will assist individuals from not engaging in criminal behaviors.
With the issue of adolescent
drug abuse, the knowledge of criminology theories can provide a foundation for substance abuse prevention programs to include self-esteem building activities and
family sessions to help reverse the negative labeling and promote positive labeling of the teen.
References
Harrison, Larry R (1997) Control theory, labeling theory, and the delivery of services for drug abuse to adolescents. Adolescence Marcos, a.C., & Johnson, R.E. (1988). Cultural patterns and causal processes in adolescent drug use: The case of Greeks vs. Americans. The International Journal of the Addictions, 23, 545-572.
Ray, M.C., & Downs, W.R. (1986). An empirical test of labeling theory using longitudinal data. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 23, 169-194.
Pawlak, Rebecca (1993) Effects of social bonds and
childhood experiences on
alcohol abuse and
smoking. The Journal of
Social Psychology
