Compare and contrast economic rational choice theory
Microeconomics
Question 1<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />
Compare and contrasteconomic rational choice theory with sociological strain theory. Economicrational choice theory is the foundation of neoclassical micro andmacroeconomics . Sociological strain theory was originally formulated by RobertMerton in “Social Structure and Anomie” (1938), and it is still the most widelycited text in the sociology of crime and deviance.
a. Why is the “waron drugs at root a market problem”?
b. Using rationalchoice theory, explain that “war on drugs at root a market problem.”Consider the interaction between supply and demand in the drug economy.
c. Using Merton’s strain theory, explain that the”war on drugs at root a market problem.” Consider the interaction betweensocial class and culture (i.e. how does Merton describe American culture?).
d. Describe onedifference between rational choice theory and strain theory.
Question 2a. Describe USinternational policies and initiatives to eliminate/reduce (1) cultivation andproduction of cocaine, and (2) organized crime and narco-trafficking in cocaine.
b. Discuss theeffectiveness of these US supply-side policies .
c. .Propose analternative supply-side policy using at least three evidence-based arguments (5points).
Question 3:a. Describe USdomestic policies and initiatives to eliminate/reduce cocaine and crack-cocaineconsumption
b. Discuss theeffectiveness of US these demand-side policies
c. Propose analternative demand-side policy using at least three evidence-based arguments
