Drug dealing is described in four historic periods: a "hip" period prior to 1967; an epidemic period between 1967 and 1973; a polydrug period between 1974 and 1981; and a cocaine period from 1982 through the present. The review notes within these time frames the purposes of dealing for survival, in the sense of meeting minimal living expenses and/or supporting a drug habit, for more substantial income, and for status. Central sets of problems affecting both drug dealing and abuse include: disruptions brought by migration from Puerto Rico and followed by extensive geographic movement in Chicago; the erosion of the Puerto Rican culture in the United States and the widespread breakdown of the traditional family structure; and economic, linguistic, and racial barriers. The theory of an emerging underclass in the post-Vietnam War United States explains the persisting poverty of the Chicago Puerto Rican community which has affected decisions to deal drugs and has influenced significantly the family breakdown, demoralization, and movement to drugs to escape or overcome problems. 1 note