How alcohol and drinking helps build culture.

Alcohol and Culture

The drinking culture in every country varies. In many western cultures, binge drinking is often viewed as a negative thing, however, there are many asian countries which see alcohol and drinking as more than just a way to get drunk and have fun.

For instance, Korea is one of the largest alcohol consumers in the world. Drinking is a major part of socialisation, and is also taken very seriously. There are also many rules when it comes to drinking in Korean. For example, declining a drink offered can sometimes be seen as disrespect, yet drinking before everyone else has is also a sign of disrespect. Alcohol is also mainly served with food, which is something quite different than what we have in New Zealand at the pubs.

Korean Drinking Culture (2007)
Retrieved 07 APR 09 from http://www.teachenglishinasia.net/korean-drinking-culture

Ireland's drinking culture on the otherhand, is something we kiwi's can relate a bit better with. The pub. The pub has always been a great place to just hang out with a few mates, chat, and just have a cold beer, or a stiff drink. And unlike asian countries, the pub is often used as places for people to meet up and watch a game or two on the T.V. Pubs are also a great way of getting to know your local community. Most people will have their favourite pub (or pubs) where they regularly go, and is a great way to learn the local history and culture.

Pubs In Ireland (n.d)
Retrieved 07 APR 09 from http://www.yourirish.com/pubs-in-ireland.htm

Australia on the other-hand is a bit different. Once known as one of the largest drinking countries in the world, Australia's history has always been full of alcohol. For instance, during the convict era rum was often used as a currency. But what seperates Australia's drinking culture from the other western cultures is the fact that drinking is almost always a social occasion, and it is common for people to buy drinks for each other, and take rounds. This helps ease not only social tension, but it also provides a way for people to know that there is no social ranking within the pub.

Drinking etiquette: Test of character (n.d)
Retrieved 07 APR 09 from http://www.convictcreations.com/culture/drinking.htm

Binge drinking cultures

However, social drinking also has its bad points. Alcoholism, Drunkards, and disorderly behaviour is all expected after a night out drinking. However, one of the largest problems with drinking is binge drinking. The amount of alcohol people consume within a short period of time can often be daunting, and lead to serious problems, not only physically or mentally, but socially.

The current holders of the 'World's largest binge drinkers' title is also quite shocking. It is, infact, women in the UK. One in three women (between the ages of 17-30) are also considered heavy drinkers. However the most disturbing thing is how great the risk is for young women facing liver damage and premature deaths. Another problem is the risk of assault on women, where 81% of sex-attack victims have been drinking before being assaulted. Many doctors believe the reason for England's soaring alcohol consumption is due to the drinks industries targetting women with many female-friendly drinks.

Dobson, R. & Goodchild, S. & Woolf, M. Drunk & disorderly: Women in UK are worst binge drinkers in world (2006)
Retrieved 07 APR 09 from http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/drunk-amp-disorderly-women-in-uk-are-worst-binge-drinkers-in-world-421131.html

However, young New Zealanders are also affected by the binge drinking culture. With our alcohol comsuption per capita being at its highest since 1994 (9.5 litres) which is proof that we to, may have a negative drinking culture. Eventhough we don't drink as much as the British, French, or Australians, our social culture could be under attack with the way young kiwi's have been drinking. Because of this, the government is reviewing the age limit on what age should be legal enough to drink alcohol.

Ihaka, J. Law review looks at drinking culture. (2009)

Retrieved 07 APR 09 from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/alcohol-abuse/news/article.cfm?c_id=115&objectid=10559463

Conclusion

Alcohol has played a major role in almost all cultures through history, and was used for many things, but above all, socializing. Where would we be, as a people, without the reason to socialize? Sure, in many western countries drinking is associated with violence, and anti-social behaviour, however there are many other cultures in the world that believe that drinking is calming, and regarded very harmonious. Infact, gobal statistics show that even in the most problematic of drinking cultures, the physical, psychological and social problems associated with drinking, only affect a minority of consumers. But in the end, every country, culture, and social structure has its own rules and regulations regarding alcohol, which by all means should be practiced, weather you're having a couple of drinks with your mates, or at a business meeting half way across the world, and be sure remember, it should always be you who has the drink, not the drink that has you.

Social and Cultural Aspects of Drinking (n.d)

Retrieved 07 APR 09 from http://www.sirc.org/publik/drinking3.html

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