Recent development in alcoholism:sociology.

Abstract

This chapter reviews several domains of sociological research conducted in the field of alcohol studies during the last decade. The domains are organized within the sociostructural, social constructionist, and distribution of consumption theoretical perspectives. Discussions of the current state of the field and definitional and measurement issues are also included. Within the sociostructural perspective, sociocultural theories, social deviance theories, age, gender, ethnic, and occupational group differences, and other related deviant behaviors are examined. Several examples of applications of social constructionist theory are included covering the new temperance movement, the Mothers Against Drunk Driving movement, Alcoholics Anonymous, and the Children of Alcoholics movement. In the section on distribution of consumption models, alcohol availability and drunk driving control policies are discussed. There are several sociopolitical issues that need to be addressed in the next decade and further collaboration across disciplines is warranted.