Social Deviance
Chapter 9: Drunkenness and Alcoholism
Chapter Goals
Know the physiological aspects of alcohol. Know the behavioral aspects of alcohol. Be able to distinguish between different "types" of drinkers. Understand drinking as a social activity. Be able to explain "alcoholism" from a deviance perspective Know about subculture influences on drinking.
Physiological and Behavioral Aspects of Alcohol
Alcohol does not lead to a physiological habit in the way that other drugs do (i.e., Crack and Heroin). Alcohol is a chemical substance created through processes of fermentation or distillation. Physiological Dimensions: The immediate effects of alcohol depend on the rate of absorption into the body and the physical characteristics of the individual drinker (i.e., body weight) Large quantities disturb the activities in the organs controlled by the brain and cause symptoms termed drunkenness. Physiological Dimensions: Chronic alcohol consumption can cause gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatitis, liver disease, nutritional deficiency, cardiovascular defects, myopathy, birth defects, etc. Intoxication can result in automobile fatalities. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). a. Results in retarded growth, central nervous system abnormalities, and characteristic facial features: short eye openings and a thin upper lip with an elongated philtrum. Psychological Effects: Moderate quantities can relax tensions and worries, and it may ease the fatigue associated with anxiety. Research identifies non universal behavioral consequence of drinking alcoholic beverages. Drunken actions are largely learned behavior sensitive to cultural and social contexts. Men or more likely than women to describe themselves as drinkers.
Types of Drinkers
Norms set standards for consumption of alcohol: This includes times to drink, how much to consume, and behavior to be tolerated by others Social or Controlled Drinker: use alcohol in certain social circumstances
Heavy Drinker: frequently uses alcohol and it interferes with health, social, or economic functioning Problem Drinker: distinguished by the consequences of alcohol rather than the characteristics of the drinker Chronic Alcoholics: Characteristics of compulsion, solitary drinking, morning drinking. general physical deterioration
Drinking as a Social Activity
Drinking has been an integral part of American social life since pilgrims Drinking patterns are learned behaviors. Alcohol is associated with forms of celebrations, holidays, and other events. Generally, after the age of 35 drinkers decrease their consumption patterns. Heavy drinking appears to peak at different ages between both sexes -- at age 21 to 34 for males and at age 35 to 49 for females. Those with more formal education also drink more than those less-educated. Drinking is more common in large cities than in smaller towns and among unmarried people than married people. Alcohol consumption is lower in the South.
Group and Subcultural Influences on Excessive Drinking
The role of group and subculture factors in producing excessive drinking and alcoholism in many ways: Gender differences: more men than women Choices of companions when drinking Skid-row drinking: symbol of solidarity Occupational: high status job = more drinking Religion: if you have a preference, you drink less Ethnic: some groups (ex. Irish) support it more
The Continuing Controversy: Can "Recovering" Alcoholics Ever Return to Drinking
In 1939, the book Al