Book cover for Substance Use: Individual Behaviour, Social Interactions, Markets and Politics
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Advances in Health Economics and Health Services Research
Substance Use: Individual Behaviour, Social Interactions, Markets and Politics
Edited by
Björn Lindgren
Björn Lindgren
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Michael Grossman
Michael Grossman
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Author and Other Information
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Volume
16
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0731-2199(2005)16
ISBN electronic:
978-1-84950-361-7
ISBN print:
978-0-76231-233-7
Series ISSN:
0731-2199
Publication date:
2005
Book Chapter

Symbolism and Rationality in the Politics of Psychoactive Substances

By
Robin Room
Robin Room
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Author and Other Information
Robin Room
© Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2005
Doi:
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0731-2199(05)16016-6
  • Published:
    2005
© Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2005

Psychoactive substances take on many symbolic meanings, and thus the politics of psychoactive substances has featured symbolic elements, or value-based rationality, alongside and often dominating instrumental rationality. Drawing particularly on the work of Joseph Gusfield and Nordic scholars, the chapter considers the symbolic dimension in the politics of substance use, even in Nordic countries celebrated for their societal commitment to knowledge-based policymaking, and its effects on the interplay of science and policy.

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