Marijuana Use among American and Bolivian Students

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The article A Comparison of Four General Theories of Crime and Deviance: Marijuana Use among American and Bolivian University Students by Meneses and Akers (2011) uses theoretical concepts to analyze deviant behavior in different societies. As Kjellström and Stålne (2017) observes, behavior of teenagers is often defined by the socio-economic and political forces within their environment. The United States and Europe have different economic, political, and social structures from that in the developing countries such as those in South America. The two researchers were interested in determining whether some of the behavioral theories can be used to explain crime and deviance in a similar way when socio-economic and political systems vary. They focused on applying four theories (General Strain, Social Bonding, Self-Control, and Social Learning) to explain marijuana use both in the United States and Latin America universities.

Determining if the Study is an Example of the Use of Theory in Research

The study is a perfect example of the use of theory in a research. According to Corsini et al. (2019), scholars often use theory to explain a behavior of a phenomenon in a given setting. Sometimes the study may focus on confirming the applicability of a given theory within a particular setting. This study focused on explaining the applicability of specific theories in explaining a given phenomenon in different setting. The use of marijuana is a common deviant behavior in many colleges around the world. However, the socio-cultural system in the United States is different from that in Latin America. American college students face challenges and issues that are significantly different from what Bolivian college students go through. However, the use of marijuana is a common practice among these learners.

The study revealed that although the environment is different for these learners, these theories could be applied to explain their behavior. The authors were able to prove that a theory such as social learning can be applied in different social settings. As such, it is possible for college students in Bolivia to have a similar deviant behavior, which in this case is the use of marijuana, to those in the United States even though both are exposed to different socio-economic and political environment. The authors conducted a detailed analysis of the application of the theories in these settings and concluded that behavioral forces that affect learners may be different, but they can easily take a similar approach to engaging unacceptable activities. For instance, they confirmed that peer-pressure was a common phenomenon among learners irrespective of the society in which they live.

How the Authors Differentiate Among the Theories Used in Their Study

The authors have successfully differentiated the four theories used in their study in terms of their application. They started by defining each of the theories and how they can be applied. For instance, social learning as a theory differs from social bonding. The first one focuses on the process of acquiring new information within the environment that one is exposed to while the second one focuses on the desire and effort that one makes to create friends (Corsini et al., 2019). When the authors were applying these theories to analyze the behavior of college students in the United States and those in Bolivia, the difference came out clearly. It was evident that these theories were distinct from one another. One cannot apply general strain theory in the same way as self-control theory. Some of them may be related, but one has to understand their varying principles. The authors proved that the four theories are distinct, but they can be universally applied across different settings. For instance, social bonding theory was used to explain how college students in the two countries would develop new friends. The constant desire to be accepted and admired by peer made some of them engage in deviant actions, sometimes against their wish. Some of these students explained that they started using marijuana because they wanted to appear cool among their friends.

Analysis of Theories in the Article

The use of theories in this article has helped to explain why the use of marijuana is common among college students in both North America and Latin America. It is expected that the difference in socio-economic and political environment would motivate different deviant behavior among learners. However, it became apparent that irrespective of these factors, the desire of college students is almost universal. The reason why the practice is common in Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific was effectively demonstrated by the four theories.

The Relationship between Problem and Theory

The article has clearly demonstrated the relationship that exists between a specific problem (marijuana use among college students) and different theories. When using the theory of social bonding, the researcher was able to explain how the problem develops. It starts with the strong desire for one to be accepted among peers. As such, one would try to do what they believe others admire without considering the potential consequences. Others are pushed into deviancy by social pressure. The desire to please others so that they can have the bond they desire forces them to use marijuana. It does not matter whether one is from a rich or poor background. The level of economic, social, and political development may not matter much as well when a college student is looking for attention of the peers. The theory articulates how the problem can escalate if one has no self-control and there is no one to guide the students away from deviancy (Meneses & Akers, 2011). These theories can help in finding a way of solving these problems. By explaining the genesis and progress of a problem, it becomes possible to find a way of solving them before they get worse. A student can be helped to overcome drug addiction if their use of marijuana is arrested before using it for long.

How Theory Informs Research Methodology

The four theories discussed in this article can help inform research methodology. According to Kjellström and Stålne (2017), when defining the methodology necessary to conduct a given research, a given theoretical concept may help in defining the right approach. For instance, self-control theory of crime explains how one’s lack of self-control can lead them into committing a crime (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). The majority of students who use marijuana know that the practice is not only illegal but also detrimental to their health and future socio-economic development. Using this theory, a researcher can easily understand that the most appropriate methodology would be qualitative analysis to understand why one would do something that they know may be dangerous. Of interest in such a study may be to understand why the urge to commit a crime is so strong that one fails to control self. Using the theory as a guide, one can determine the appropriate method of collecting and analyzing data that would most effectively answer the fundamental question in the study.

Reasons Why Hot Topics Hook the Reader and the Use of Variables in the Study

Hot topics tend to hook readers because of the interest that they generate. Drug abuse is one such topic that has been attracting the attention of many people around the world (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). There is a need to understand why marijuana use is so common in many colleges so that a proper solution can be developed to address it. The effect of drug abuse is widely documented, and it would be expected that these learners would avoid its use as much as possible as a way of protecting their health and future. However, a significant number end up risking going to jail by using and distributing the drug. The attention that they attract is geared towards solving a common problem within the society. It is important to note that Meneses and Akers (2011) used various variables in the study. Marijuana use, which is considered a deviant behavior, was the dependent variable in the study. The independent variables included peer pressure, economic challenges, family problems, and accessibility of the drug within these learning institutions.

Comparing Authors’ Use of Theory in This Study and How Other Authors May Use a Theoretical Base to Guide Their Studies

The approach that Meneses and Akers (2011) use self-control theory is significantly different from the approach that Gillebaart (2018) uses the same theory because of the difference in context. Meneses and Akers (2011) focus on explaining why college students in both Latin America and the United States are unable to exercise self-constraint and avoid deviant behavior. On the other hand, Gillebaart (2018) uses the same theory to explain how to fight general crime within the society. However, it is important to note that despite this difference in the application of the theories, there are some similarities worth noting. In both cases, the focus of the authors is to promote a society where people understand and appreciate the significance of self-control. The use of marijuana may likely lead one to commit general crime in the society. As one gets addicted, the need to purchase more doses of marijuana grows. If the money cannot come from the parent, such a student will be compelled to get into criminal activities to meet their financial needs. As such, addressing marijuana use among college students may help reduce crime levels in the society.

Conclusion

The article discussed above focuses on a fundamental issue that affects most students both in the developed and developing worlds. The authors used four theories to explain marijuana user among these learners. It was evident that irrespective of the society in which a child is brought up, causes of marijuana use was common. Factors such as family challenges, lack of attention from parents, and peer pressure has nothing to do with the level of economic stability. A child from a poor family may lack attention from parents who are constantly away, trying to make ends meet. On the other hand, a child from a rich family may lack the same attention because parents are always away on business engagements. As such, a universal solution can be developed for such a problem.

References

Corsini, F., Laurenti, R., Meinherz, F., Appio, F., & Mora, L. (2019). The advent of practice theories in research on sustainable consumption: Past, current and future directions of the field. Sustainability, 11(341), 1-19.

Creswell, J., & Creswell, D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5^th ed.). Sage Publications.

Gillebaart, M. (2018). The ‘operational’ definition of self-control. Perspective, 4(1), 1-5.

Kjellström, S., & Stålne, K. (2017). Adult development as a lens: Applications of adult development theories in research. Behavioral Development Bulletin, 22(2), 266–278.

Meneses, R. A., & Akers, R. (2011). A comparison of four general theories of crime and deviance: Marijuana use among American and Bolivian university students. International Criminal Justice Review, 21(4), 333-352.

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