Post 2: Different Cultural Views on Alcohol Consumption

To cope with the stress the people suffer from –whether it is from work, exams, or other known factor- it is only natural for people to indulge in something to enjoy and indulge in to relax and let loose. One of these, of course, is drinking. Alcohol has played a large part in many, if not all, human cultures since Neolithic times, approximately about 4000 B.C. But it’s something left unsaid that drinking can be bad when taken to extreme levels.

Alcoholism is one of the many problems our society faces, and also one of the primary factors in minor crimes. Many of these vary between ethnicity  countries and cultural upbringing; not only that, but it is also affected by certain factors, such as one’s environment or situation. Some cultures have Alcoholism as a problematic yet prevalent part of everyday life; there are also some who have had little to none of this problem, even viewing it as “rare” and “indecent”.

While searching for disorders, ailments and diseases which are viewed differently between countries, I've come across an article by Dr. Stanton Peele called “Alcohol and Society: How Culture Influences the Way People Drink”, an article which explores the different factors that affects one’s drinking habits. Although it was long, it was informational and helpful in determining in what way our culture affects our habits, specifically in this article, alcohol consumption.

“The destructive personal and social consequences of alcohol abuse are not entirely or even largely due to the prevalence of drinking or the amount of alcohol consumed.”

One of the things that caught my eye in the article is how one culture, specifically Italians and Chinese people, have introduced alcohol to young people as a part of everyday life and in doing so, have them develop self-control and a moderate drinking practice. There is no specific law where an underage child should be protected from alcohol in countries such as France and China; while in countries such as Italy and Spain, children are given small quantities of wine as a routine part of a meal and celebration. In Jewish culture, children are taught that wine is something sacred, and can only be consumed as an act of communion.

And one of the things I noticed about the factors of cultures with immoderate drinking habits have no concrete social customs about drinking etiquette, which then leads to people relying on their peers and people in their social norms, some if which lead to peer pressure into drinking. Along with that, there is also the factor in one country where drinking is inexcusable, abstinence is approved. Without someone who would lead them into a proper moderate drinking habit, a person may end up drinking into excess, leading to alcohol abuse. Along with that is the strict government rule about drinking. And as most of us know, most of these are not followed; simply because of the thrill one feels when someone breaks the rules.


People should take note that drinking is not a bad thing, depending on their beliefs. Indulging is normal for us, but we should also remember that doing certain things in excess is awful, and that we should remember to take things in moderation and with self-control.