by Elden Mabini
Dec 28, 2009
Sociological Concept: Conflict Theory, manifest and latent functions
Introduction
Excerpt from Honolulu Advertiser local news: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091228/NEWS01/912280350/Hawaii+smokers+cutting+back+in+response+to+higher+tobacco+taxes
“Through the first 10 months of the year, Hawai'i consumers bought 417 million packs of cigarettes, which, based on state tax collections, was down 12 percent from the same period a year ago.
While lower consumption of tobacco has health benefits, it could be problematic for a state that's counting on recent tobacco-related tax hikes to generate nearly $47 million in added revenue over two years to help balance the state's budget.
Higher tobacco taxes are aimed at driving down demand while simultaneously increasing income for the state and for programs such as cancer research. So far it's been a formula that has delivered — sales of cigarettes statewide have been declining in recent years and the increased tax rates have more than offset the reduction in sales.
This article shows how cigarette sales are used to keep Hawaii’s economy afloat. The state of Hawaii raised taxes on cigarettes, knowing that people would still buy it. An average cost of cigarettes ranged between $5.00 to $6.00. Due to the increase in cigarette tax, you can now buy a pack of cigarettes between $7.00 to $9.00. People adjusted their budget to be able to buy cigarettes. Due to our current situation in our economy, people simply can’t afford to buy cigarettes at these prices. People are now forced to quit because of health issues, but mainly because of financial reasons. The excerpt of the article shows that cigarette sales dropped 12% this year. The excerpt also shows that Hawaii’s economy raised cigarette prices to increase their revenue, but actually did the opposite.
Sociological Analysis
By the way how this article is presented, I would use conflict theory to analyze this article. To apply a conflict theory into a situation, you need to show that there is conflict between parties or opposing sides, and that conflict actually runs society. First off, the article shows that 417 million packs of cigarettes were bought by Hawaii consumers in just ten months. According to Hawaii census 2008, there are 1,288,198 Hawaii residents. From this information alone, you could say that majority of Hawaii’s consumers smoke cigarettes and cigarette sales are used to stabilize Hawaii’s economy. Smoking cigarettes is bad because it causes many health complications like death, lung disease, bad breath, etc. However, Hawaii’s economy noticed how much cigarettes were being sold, therefore an increase in cigarette tax was accessed. This way, there would a possible increase in revenue if Hawaii’s consumers choose to buy cigarettes with the increased prices. The conflict here would be that Hawaii’s economy is being stabilized by the expense of its consumer’s health. If people continue to buy cigarettes with the increased cost, the economy would make more revenue. However, if people continue to buy cigarettes, there would be an increase of health issues and less money in their pocket due to purchasing cigarettes. This can also be considered a conflict theory because if people continue to smoke and ruin their health, then pharmaceutical companies and other health companies would also make more money because people would be seeking medical help to overcome their health problems. Eg. Nicotine patches, gums, etc…
This article shows that the increase in cigarette tax actually drove consumers to quit. This now is a problem because cigarette sales will no longer be stabilize Hawaii’s economy. The economy will have to find other ways to bring in revenue.
Personal Opinion
I think that there a lot of sectors in society that conflict theory can be applied to. For example, the medical and justice sectors of society can only work if there is conflict with the people. If there were no sick people, hospitals and medical occupations would not be needed. If there were no criminals or people challenging the justice system, there will be no need for the justice system. However, the medical and justice sectors play a huge role in society and is needed in order to care for the society.
