Question 1: 10 points Compare and contrast economic rational choice theory with sociological strain theory.

Question 1: 10 points

Compare and contrast economic rational choice theory with sociological strain theory. Economic rational choice theory is the foundation of neoclassical micro and macroeconomics (see Mares chapter 2). Sociological strain theory was originally formulated by Robert Merton in “Social Structure and Anomie” (1938), and it is still the most widely cited text in the sociology of crime and deviance.

Directions: In Assignment 1 and Discussion 1 we discussed that the “war on drugs is at root a market problem.” Respond to the following in one short essay:

Why is the “war on drugs at root a market problem”? (2 points)

Using rational choice theory, explain that "war on drugs at root a market problem." Consider the interaction between supply and demand in the drug economy. (3 points)

Using Merton’s strain theory, explain that the "war on drugs at root a market problem.” Consider the interaction between social class and culture (i.e. how does Merton describe American culture?). (3 points)

Describe one difference between rational choice theory and strain theory (2 points)

Question 2: 15 points

Directions: Respond to the following in one short essay:

Describe US international policies and initiatives to eliminate/reduce (1) cultivation and production of cocaine, and (2) organized crime and narco-trafficking in cocaine (5 points)

Discuss the effectiveness of these US supply-side policies (5 points)

Propose an alternative supply-side policy using at least three evidence-based arguments (5 points)

You must cite at least four different assigned texts in your essay. Failure to cite at least four different assigned texts (up to -4 points per text). You may cite texts that were not assigned, but they will not count as one of the four that you must cite.

Question 3: 15 points

Directions: Respond to the following in one short essay:

Describe US domestic policies and initiatives to eliminate/reduce cocaine and crack-cocaine consumption (5 points)

Discuss the effectiveness of US these demand-side policies (5 points)

Propose an alternative demand-side policy using at least three evidence-based arguments (5 points).

You must cite at least four different assigned texts in your essay. Failure to cite at least four different assigned texts (up to -4 points per text). You may cite texts that were not assigned, but they will not count as one of the four that you must cite.