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Objective. In this article we investigate why traditionally conservative social groups show less support for spending on drug rehabilitation programs than for drug control spending in general. Methods. Using data from the 1984 through 1998 General Social Surveys, we first estimate logistic regressions of support for drug control spending across five sociopolitical cleavages. We then estimate effects of three types of sociopolitical attitudes on support for drug spending within traditionally conservative groups. Results. Resistance to rehabilitation spending among conservatives is related to their opposition to the welfare state, punitive attitudes toward criminals, and among whites, racial attitudes. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that citizens may withhold support for a social policy to the extent that it evokes negative associations with other salient sociopolitical issues or attitudes. We discuss the importance of these associations for understanding the relationships among political debate, public opinion, and policy outcomes.

In this article we investigate why traditionally conservative social groups show less support for spending on drug rehabilitation programs than for drug control spending in general. Using data from the 1984-1998 General Social Surveys, we first estimate logistic regressions of support for drug control spending across five sociopolitical cleavages. We then estimate effects of three types of sociopolitical attitudes on support for drug spending within traditionally conservative groups. Resistance to rehabilitation spending among conservatives is related to their opposition to the welfare state, punitive attitudes toward criminals, & among whites, racial attitudes. Our findings suggest that citizens may withhold support for a social policy to the extent that it evokes negative associations with other salient sociopolitical issues or attitudes. We discuss the importance of these associations for understanding the relationships among political debate, public opinion, & policy outcomes. 3 Tables, 30 References. Adapted from the source document.

The issue of whether the US public remains supportive of massive increases in the nation's drug control budget & the factors that contribute to group differences in support for increased drug control expenditure are examined. Data from the General Social Survey for the years 1974-1998 that measured noninstitutionalized, English-speaking adults' (N = 34,999) attitudes toward increased spending proposals for various government sectors & agencies were analyzed. Several findings are presented: different social groups have continued to support increases to the drug control budget over the 24-year period; small to moderate differences in level of support surfaced among distinct social groups; differences in African Americans' & Anglo Americans' support were not evident when spending for other domestic policies was constant; & women & political liberals were less likely to support increases in drug control spending than men & political conservatives when expenditures for other domestic sectors was constant. The need for future research to investigate public support for drug treatment, prevention, interdiction, & law enforcement is expressed. 1 Table, 17 References. J. W. Parker