Abstract : This article is an empirical examination of the ways in which macro-level social forces have had mi
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Abstract : This article is an empirical examination of the ways in which macro-level social forces have had micro-level consequences in the New Orleans drug market. The article illustrates a clear connection between poverty and entrance into the drug market as mitigated by race lack of societal opportunity lack of social capital distressed families and closed neighborhoods. Specifically the research illustrates the mechanisms by which macro-level social forces intersect to legitimize drug dealing as a viable alternative method of acquiring money and social capital. These intersecting macro-level social forces such as poverty race family structure and neighborhood characteristics ultimately constrain the life chances of those living in the inner city irrespective of personal traits individual motivations or private achievements.
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