Drugs, Identities, and Neutralizations

• In Event: Testing Theory through Substance Use Research

Abstract

The present study describes and analyzes the use of neutralizations by illicit drug dealers. Drawing from extant neutralizations and accounts literature, the study explores how and when these offenders’ identities and resulting crime decisions are influenced by their use of neutralizations. The investigation is informed by data drawn from semi-structured interviews with 33 active drug dealers from St. Louis, Missouri and 30 active drug dealers from Atlanta, Georgia.

Authors

• Timothy Dickinson, University of Texas at El Paso

• Scott Jacques, Georgia State University