1) Review the article “Becoming a Marihuana User” attached below. Answer the following questions and number your responses.
2) Based on the concepts from Chapter 10 in your text, what research method did Becker utilize for his study? What did he hypothesize about why individuals become marijuana users? What were the backgrounds of the individuals Becker interviewed for his study? How many interviews did he conduct? (4-6 sentences)
3) Identify the different stages Becker argues must take place in order for an individual to become a marijuana user. (4-6 sentences)
4) Becker’s study was published in 1953, and is one of the most cited sociological studies to this day. In terms of Becker’s research approach, how was it different than the way marijuana use and deviant behavior was studied at the time? Cite concepts from the reading. (4-6 sentences)
5) Becker is well-known for challenging the notion of what is considered “deviant.” Becker states that he was a marijuana smoker and a jazz musician, both of which guided his early work. This was unique at the time because very few sociologists possessed the actual characteristics and identities they were researching. Does it surprise you to know that this sociological study on marijuana use and deviant behavior was conducted in the 1950’s? Why or why not? Respond to at least one classmate’s critical analysis.