Abstract

The absence of federal government consensus on various nicotine policy matters, such as the legality of menthol cigarettes and flavored e-cigarettes, gives rise to distinct agendas, policy landscapes, and public attitudes at the state and local levels. As a result, nicotine activist groups and interested stakeholders are actively engaged in shaping the future of nicotine policy and use. This thesis explores the culture of local activist groups in Central Florida to understand how they influence nicotine-related policy change and set the tone for nicotine use in their communities. Drawing on data collected through participant observation and semi-structured interviews with activist group members, key actors, and nicotine users in Volusia County and Orange County, I argue that various external and internal factors compel activist groups to adopt a reactive strategy in addressing nicotine-related use and disparities rather than a proactive one. This thesis provides a novel, holistic perspective on nicotine-related policy change from both the activist and user viewpoints, and contributes significantly to scholarship on nicotine policy change by filling a previously unexplored gap in the anthropological literature.

Thesis Completion

2023

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Harris, Shana

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Undergraduate Studies

Department

Anthropology

Degree Program

Interdisciplinary Studies

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

12-15-2023

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