What are at least four latent functions of passing legalization laws?

Application Essay 5
Read: Chapter Four: Structural Functionalism by Michele Dillon (our textbook)
https://www .benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/05/16045942/a-snapshot-of-americas-medical- marijuana-markets-rhode-island
Like other states in New England (and elsewhere), Rhode Island has grappled with the extent to which marijuana should be legalized. The above article examines some of the history and considers some of the economic implications of doing so or not. I assigned this article because it does not take a strong political or moral stance on the issue.
Drawing upon Mertons theories, what are at least four manifest functions for those who want to legalize marijuana in Rhode Island? What are at least four latent functions of passing legalization laws? Two of these latent functions should be functional and two should be dysfunctional. Because it violates federal law, would Merton consider the marijuana industry a form of deviance? Why or why not? In what ways is the marijuana business an adaptation to the institutionalized means for attaining desired cultural goals? From Mertons perspective, how does the marijuana industrys approach to selling marijuana differ from dealers who sell pot individually and do not operate out of public storefronts? Finally, apply Mertons five-part typology of individual adaptation to societal conditions to the issue of marijuana legalization. Who are the conformists, the innovators, etc?
It is fine to quote from the book, but be sure to cite material that you are using, whether its a direct quote or a paraphrase. This means using quotation marks around any words that are not your own, and including the authors last name, year the book was published, and the page number of the quotation.
Below is more information from the syllabus:
Application Essays: In order to develop theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, and written communication skills, I will assign five application essays during the semester. An application essay requires that students apply theories we are learning about in class to a real-world situation. I will assign the application essays each week. Responses should be in the form of an essay of at least 300 words. Application essays should demonstrate detailed knowledge of the theory, based on the course materials, and apply the theory correctly. Application essays should be free from opinions. The goal is to explain and apply a theory, not to critique it. Application essays should be uploaded to Blackboard on or before the assigned date. Each essay is worth 50 points or 5% of the total course grade. Combined, the five application essays are worth 250 points or 25% of the total course grade.
Formatting and submitting papers: All written work should be formatted the same way: Word (.docx or .doc) or pdf format, double-spaced and in 12-point Times New Roman font. Margins should be no larger than one inch. Any citation style (APA, MLA, etc.) is fine, but papers must be consistent in using the same style throughout. A bibliography is not necessary unless sources not assigned for this class are used. If that is the case, only the additional sources need to be cited. Footnotes are acceptable if you want to use them. Please do not use endnotes. All assignments should be uploaded to Blackboard on or before the deadline.

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