“Fun,” but “scary”

An analysis of the gendered nature of alcohol culture

Abstract

Many social traditions involve alcohol consumption whether it be through a glass of wine with dinner in an upper-class home, or a pint of beer in a tavern for a working-class man. In both cases, social norms indicating which drinking habits are acceptable, and which are not, are dictated by gender and social class. This qualitative research project uses a triangulation of methods to analyze the way gender dynamics operate in public drinking establishments in Edmonton, AB. The themes of gendered safety, visual culture, and hook-up culture are explored through this analysis.

Faculty Mentor: Fiona Angus

Department: Sociology (Honours)