“Cooks are Like Gods”: Hierarchies in Methamphetamine-Producing Groups

Abstract

This article uses findings from a qualitative study of female methamphetamine users, dealers, and producers in Missouri and Arkansas. Using in-depth interviews with 31 incarcerated women, the study explores their experiences with methamphetamine, focusing on the experiences of 18 methamphetamine producers, or “cooks.” Through their experiences, this study provides an insight into the hierarchies that exist within methamphetamine-producing groups. The hierarchy moves from “simple users” at the bottom, to “dope ho's,” “shoppers,” “gas men/juicers,” and “cooks” at the top of the methamphetamine hierarchy. Understanding the hierarchy within methamphetamine-producing groups can aid us in understanding how new members are added to the group, existing members leave, and new groups form from the existing group. In-group mobility is also examined with regard to group solidarity and reintegration post confinement. Because all of the participants in this study were women the interaction between status and gender within the methamphetamine-producing group is also discussed.