Gender and Alcohol

An Exploration of the Gendered World of Public Drinking Establishments

Abstract

This presentation will outline a proposed study of bars, pubs, and clubs which are characterized by high levels of alcohol consumption and the gender dynamics that exists within them. In particular, the ways these settings and alcohol culture seem to heighten adherence to hegemonic masculinity and emphasized femininity will be explored. This ethnography will be conducted by observing public drinking establishments as well as using data from semi-structured interviews with bar patrons in Central Edmonton, Alberta. Previous literature highlights the way social conditions regarding gender relations have influenced dynamics in public drinking establishments historically. In particular, women have always had less social permission to drink and participate in this culture than men. Current literature demonstrates that social pressures informed by gender are still influential of such spaces, often in a negative way. This study will focus on subjective experiences of drinking culture in order to understand the pressures, risks, and benefits that exist first-hand.

Discipline: Sociology (Honours)

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Fiona Angus