Alcohol, Gender and Culture

Alcohol consumption is significantly higher in Europe than in other parts of the world, and it plays a significant role in the cultural, religious, and social identities of these countries. The contributors to this book explore how different groups define the proper use of alcohol, how state policies may affect drinking behavior, and how beverages and comestibles must be seen in relation to each other. They show how important socio-cultural distinctions are made between and within communities, gender relations, ethnic groups, and socio-economic groups, and within religious ideologies. The book demonstrates how the social construction of drinking can provide an analytical tool with which to approach different socio-cultural groups and illustrates how any cultural group can be compared to another by its attitudes to alcohol. It will be invaluable reading for students and lecturers in anthropology, cultural history, and gender studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Europeans account for 12.5% of the global population, yet they consume a staggering 50% of the world's recorded alcohol production. This remarkable consumption holds a profound impact on the cultural, religious, and social identities of these nations. The contributors to this book shed light on how different groups define the appropriate use of alcohol, explore the potential effects of state policies on drinking behavior, and emphasize the interconnectedness of beverages and food. Through their insightful analysis, they reveal how significant socio-cultural distinctions are made between and within communities, gender relations, ethnic groups, and socio-economic groups, as well as within religious ideologies. It becomes evident that the choices made regarding what one drinks, how one drinks, with whom, and where, exert a profound influence on the way individuals perceive and experience alcohol, ultimately shaping social relations.

Alcohol, Gender, and Culture serves as a valuable resource for students and lecturers specializing in anthropology, cultural history, and gender studies. It offers a comprehensive examination of the social construction of drinking and provides a framework for comparing different socio-cultural groups. By delving into the attitudes towards alcohol across various cultural contexts, the book offers valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and societal dynamics.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032340432