A study of the drinking behaviour and attitudes of 17-19 year-old Pakeha male university students

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the role that alcohol plays in the lives of 17-19 year-old, Pakeha, male, university students. The central question was: why do this group drink? This question was approached by: positioning the group within a social context; examining the superficial reasons why they drink; looking at pressures and influences surrounding their drinking; considering the implications of these pressures and influences to drink; and, finally, exploring possible alternatives to drinking. A hypothesis was set: that society presents 17-19 year-old, Pakeha, male, university students with conflicting messages regarding drinking. This occurs as a result of their specific social position and a societal double standard. This makes this group susceptible to the socialising influences of a range of institutions, and predisposes them to a social life where drinking is the norm. A qualitative framework was developed. The research sample consisted of eight university hostel students, who classified themselves as drinkers. Respondents were required to take part in a one-to-one interview, followed by a focus group discussion. The collected data were analysed in accordance with the framework set out in the Introduction. On the whole, the hypothesis was sustained by the data. In any sociological study, the word 'natural' rings warning-bells, but it comes closest to expressing, in the group's terms, what meaning drinking had for them. Drinking was seen as a natural part of the New Zealand culture and was consequently accepted as being a normal part of their life-styles. There was, however, a paradox in the way that they employed the term to describe why they drank. Although they all used it, there were variations in how its meaning was perceived. It was apparent that there were many disparities in their attitudes and experiences. What was considered normal behaviour for some was denigrated by others as being socially inappropriate and immature. The employment of this term and the implications of its meaning have produced a thought-provoking dialectic. By regarding drinking as a natural part of human behaviour many of the group were unable to contemplate a social life without it, thus contributing to the preclusion of any practical thoughts of abstinence.