Anthropology
How would anthropologists investigate and analyze alcohol abuse
Anthropologists would explore alcohol abuse through the investigation of humanity from a cultural anthropology perspective, studying the development, origin and function of human cultures and societies.
How would psychologists investigate and analyze alcohol abuse?
Psychologists would analyze alcohol abuse in the US by studying the mind, human behaviors (why individuals behave as they do), mental processes and psychological reasons for alcoholism
How would sociologists investigate and analyze alcohol abuse?
Sociologists would investigate human social behaviors, societal patterns, social relationships and interactions as well as examine sub sectors within societies: gender, age, race, social status
What is the Social Learning Theory?
This theory of learning suggests that learning is done by observing the actions/behaviors of others, one’s environment and the social norms/standards exhibited, and the punishment or reward associated with that behavior which influences one’s own actions.
Provide 2 aspects/topics in anthropology that Anthropologists would can connect to alcohol abuse
Example:
-Evolving Societal Norms/Standards
-Culture/Cultural Beliefs
What are the two most prominent psychological reasons for alcohol abuse?
- Mental Illness/Disorders (anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia)
- Trauma/Traumatic Experiences (PTSD)
What are 2 major sociological components/aspects within alcohol abuse? (ex. It’s influence on certain groups/Impact of certain elements on it)
- The impact of economic, social status & structural factors on alcohol abuse
- The influence of gender on alcohol abuse (drinking culture)
Example of the Social Learning Theory + Explanation
The Bobo Doll Experiment:
Two separate groups of people watched two different videos of an adult's behavior with a bobo doll. Group 1 observed the adult being aggressive to the doll and Group 2 didn't. Then, when given the same doll, people in Group 1 emulated the aggressive behavior and exhibited aggression towards the Bobo Doll, unlike Group 2.
How has the cultural prominence/accessibility of alcohol impacted consumption, provide an example/evidence?
The cultural prominence of alcohol within booming industries such as the alcohol and beverage industry and its accessibility amongst citizens has majorly increased consumption rates (people are accepting and encouraging of it)
Evidence/Example: Anheuser-Busch Inbev (2023) is the 2nd most popular beverage brand in the US (hard cider, beer and malt beverages)
What are the 2 reasons alcohol is abused by individuals who have experienced trauma?
1. Alcohol is used to “numb traumatic memories” and avoid dealing with bad thoughts and emotions
2. Cope with effects of trauma:
- Panic attacks, emotional/trust issues, behavior/mood swings and difficulty relaxing
Why have men been reported to abuse alcohol and drink more than women?
Societal expectations/standards:
- Men are less likely to receive stigma and don't have any social consequences/vulnerabilities associated with drinking (unlike women)
- Drinking is associated with masculinity, the more a man drinks, the tougher and stronger he is considered to be
- Drinking is considered a way to prove one's masculinity, so men are encouraged to drink through their lifetime
How is sociology, as a social science, connected to The Social Learning Theory?
Sociology studies socialization, social norms as well as patterns of societal interactions, all of which are aspects of human and social behavior that are learnt by observing how other's act, and whether it is an acceptable behavior based on the outcome: reward or punishment