Drinking Habits Swayed by Cultural Attitudes

From our archives: Previous articles that have some relevance today (Original date: 06/2009)
 
Science Daily reports that the way in which young people view drinking and drunkenness is largely influenced by their culture’s outlook. Researchers sponsored by the International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP) ran focus groups in Brazil, Italy, China, South Africa, Russia, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. Their results suggest that the culture of heavy drinking varies by country. For example, they found that it is much more prevalent in Northern Europe than in Mediterranean areas. Those conducting the study also discovered commonalities among cultures, such as the role drinking plays socially at gatherings and public events.
 
Vice president for public health at ICAP, Marjana Martinic, calls for a change in the culture of extreme drinking in some countries. “We need to look at cultures in countries like Italy and Spain where moderate drinking is an ordinary, every-day part of family life,” Martinic suggests.
 
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