Understanding Illicit Drug Markets in Australia: Notes Towards a Critical Reconceptualization

• NCJ Number: 229833
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology Volume: 50 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2010 Pages: 82-101
• Author(s): Robyn Dwyer; David Moore
• Date Published: January 2010
• Length: 20 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Australia National Drug Research Institute
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This paper outlines a critique of two dominant Australian approaches to drug market analyses.

Abstract

The dominant Australian approaches to the study of illicit drug markets are surveillance and criminological research. This paper outlines the main features of these approaches before presenting a critical discussion of some of their methods, assumptions, and modes of analysis. It argues that these approaches are limited in terms of their methods; reliance on neo-classical economic models; abstraction from local contexts; oversight of social, cultural, and political process; exclusive focus on commercial transactions; under-theorizing of the market; and narrow conceptions of drug market subjects. The paper concludes by beginning to outline an alternative framework that draws on the anthropology and sociology of markets and that may lead to more nuanced understandings of illicit drug markets. References (Published Abstract)