Question

Smoking in public places such as parks was recently criminalized in Newtown. This decision, however, was not put to a vote and was decided purely on the basis of the prevailing social norms of the country. It is most likely that Newtown's law was passed based on the ________ perspective.

A) Conflict theory
B) Functionalism
C) Symbolic interactionism
D) Feminist theory

Answer 1

The Newtown law criminalizing public smoking based on social norms aligns with the functionalist perspective, which emphasizes maintaining social order and enforcing norms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The law in Newtown that criminalized smoking in public places such as parks, without a vote but based on prevailing social norms, is most likely based on the functionalist perspective. Functionalism focuses on the enforcement of norms and regulation of conflict within society. The decision reflects a functionalist approach because it aims to enforce social norms, which in this case is a smoke-free environment in public spaces, seeking consensus and the maintenance of social order.