Initially, Bucur (2010) suggests that unemployment and strained family relationships may have caused women to get involved in illicit drugs, either as consumers, dealers or both (p. 103). Relatively, Bucur’s study seeks to address two main questions: “What are the identifiable characteristics of female drug users and dealers?” and “What laws were passed concerning drug-related offenses?”
Previous research concerning drug abuse among women suggests that education, employment, socio-demographic status, and outlook in life are significant determinants in influencing people to use illicit drugs (Bucur, 2010, p. 102). Specifically, both poverty and wealth affect the disposition of women. For instance, drug dealership promises a fast and sweat-free to attain large amount of money while consumption helps in forgetting stress and worries. As for the wealthy, drug consumption is just another luxury. Those information were found in recently published articles and legal papers about drugs and drug-related convictions, and those were attained through database research. The current study also found out that existing literatures concerning the topic commonly used quantitative research methods wherein the researchers conducted interviews and surveys with convicted, female drug consumers and dealers.
To address the topic efficiently, Bucur’s research design includes both qualitative and quantitative research methods. In the qualitative research method, Bucur conducts studies on related literatures, which include legal papers and recently published scholarly articles. This method provides the initial background on drug use, particularly on the factors influencing the motivations of drug consumers. In the quantitative methods, Bucur conducts surveys and interviews with female inmates in selected penitentiaries in urban areas.