Deck 34: Cooks Are Like Gods: Hierarchies in Methamphetamine-Producing Groups

Question 1

According to the participants interviewed in Jenkot's research on hierarchies in methamphetamine groups

A) the status hierarchy is based on maintaining a supply of the drug through production.
B) the status hierarchy is based on "wholesale" distribution of the drug to dealers.
C) the status hierarchy is based on "retail" selling of the drug to users.
D) the status hierarchy is based on both production of the drug and its sale.

Answer 1

the status hierarchy is based on maintaining a supply of the drug through production.

Question 2

According to the participants interviewed in Jenkot's research on hierarchies in methamphetamine groups

A) every action is connected with the distribution and sales process and used to rank the people present.
B) every action is connected with the production process or used to rank the people present.
C) every action and thought is related to the euphoria of the meth-induced high all members experience.
D) every action is connected to the selling of meth and the best dealers are the ones who have the highest rank in the group.

Answer 2

every action is connected with the production process or used to rank the people present.

Question 3

Status ranking in the methamphetamine groups described by the participants interviewed lists of the following (highest to lowest):

A) Cook, Shopper, Dealer, Dope Ho, Simple Users.
B) Gas Man/Juicer, Cook, Shopper, Dope Ho, Simple User.
C) Cook, Gas Man/Juicer, Shopper, Dope Ho, Simple User.
D) Juicer/Shopper, Cook, Dealer, Customer, Simple User.

Answer 3

Cook, Gas Man/Juicer, Shopper, Dope Ho, Simple User.

Question 4

The highest position of privilege and prestige in the methamphetamine groups described by the participants is the

A) Cook.
B) Dealer.
C) Gas Man/Juicer.
D) Shopper/Buyer.

Question 5

The person who supplies the integral ingredient (anhydrous ammonia or red phosphorus) for the manufacture of methamphetamine is known as the

A) Cook.
B) Dealer.
C) Gas Man/Juicer.
D) Shopper/Buyer.

Question 6

This person ranked second within the methamphetamine in status rank is the ______ because of _______.

A) Shopper/Buyer…the risk connected with having to steal cars or to rob stores as needed
B) Distributor/Dealer…exposure of sales to police and law enforcement
C) Gas Man/Juicer…the risk of explosion and burns of certain chemicals
D) Cooks…the risks of explosion and deadly fumes connected with manufacturing

Question 7

At the very bottom of the hierarchy, and having the lowest prestige within the methamphetamine groups described by the participants interviewed, is the

A) Junkie/Addict.
B) Dope Ho.
C) Juicer/Shopper.
D) Simple User.

Question 8

The sample of persons interviewed by Jenkot about methamphetamine include

A) men and women incarcerated in county jails.
B) men only incarcerated in county jails.
C) women only incarcerated in county jails.
D) men and women currently active in the methamphetamine trade.

Question 9

One of the striking findings to emerge from Jenkot's research is

A) women who occupy high statuses within the hierarchy of methamphetamine groups view themselves and are viewed by others as the equal of their male counterparts.
B) the methamphetamine subculture parallels that of other illicit drugs such as cocaine and crack subcultures.
C) women in methamphetamine groups are strictly limited to low status positions such as Girlfriend or Dope Ho.
D) the domestic methamphetamine drug trade is heavily dependent on supplies of meth coming from outside the U.S., especially Mexico.

Question 10

An interesting finding about in-group mobility and status variations to emerge from Jenkot's research is

A) once a particular status is achieved within the group, it is next to impossible for one to change it.
B) it is quite common and easy for lower status persons to fill high status positions.
C) persons who occupy high status positions are permitted to work at lower status jobs if they so choose.
D) there are no strict status distinctions or ranks with such groups; everyone pitches in to do whatever may be called for at a given time without regard to previous roles.

Question 11

Describe and explain the basis, according to Jenkot's research, of hierarchy and status ranking in methamphetamine-producing groups. Explain how the basis for status in such groups becomes a major component in the determination of the possible statuses or ranks within such meth-producing groups, giving one or two examples. How is the position of women in such groups related to their work or roles within production of meth for the group?

Question 12

Do gender differences fade or become more pronounced as one achieves a higher status within the meth-producing group? Explain how and why women may or may not assume an equal footing with men in such groups. Can you think of any other type of groups in which status ranking or hierarchy is organized similarly as in meth-producing groups? Be specific and cite and describe your example.

Question 13

Describe and explain each of the following role/statuses that Jenkot reports in meth-producing groups: Cooks, Gas Man/Juicer, Shopper, Dope Ho, and Simple User. Give examples of the typical activities and contribution to the overall meth production made by each. Which role do you find the most "deviant" and explain why you think so.

Question 14

Jenkot points out in his research on methamphetamine-producing groups that persons who achieve high statuses within the group have the right to work at a lower status (in-group mobility patterns and status variations). Describe how this operates, citing an example from the text. Can you think of any other types of groups in which such a pattern operates? Be specific and cite and describe your example.