Women, health and alcohol at midlife: performing postfeminist healthism to manage well-being

Abstract

Introduction: For many women in Western countries, alcohol is associated with pleasure, sociability and coping, but also health risks. Drawing on postfeminist healthism concepts, this research explored how women at midlife perform health and well-being around drinking alcohol. Methods: Eight friendship groups and 17 individual interviews were conducted with 50 women (35–59 years) in Aotearoa New Zealand about alcohol and drinking. Transcripts were analysed using discourse analysis. Results: The women drew on discourses underpinned by healthism and postfeminist imperatives, including taking individual responsibility for health and viewing themselves as a ‘psychologised self’, to make sense of—and justify—drinking. These discourses enabled three ‘drinker’ subject positions for the women: (1) self-monitoring, controlled drinker; (2) self-investing, heavier drinker; and (3) self-aware drinker. The women were impelled to be continually reflexive and self-surveillant, to enact wellness practices, and to constantly monitor their alcohol consumption in performing postfeminist ideals. Conclusion: Industry and policy notions of ‘responsible drinking’ portray drinking as a potentially healthy activity. Action is needed to change women’s environments to support reduced alcohol consumption, including reducing alcohol’s social embeddedness and addressing activities that promote women’s drinking and normalise alcohol consumption. A multi-faceted gendered lens on policy development and implementation is essential.