Desire and Craving: A Cultural Theory of Alcoholism

Desire and Craving: A Cultural Theory of Alcoholism
ISBN-10
0791410978
ISBN-13
9780791410974
Category
Social Science
Pages
226
Language
English
Published
1992-01-01
Publisher
SUNY Press
Author
Pertti Alasuutari

Description

This book is an ethnographic analysis of alcoholism, focusing on the importance of cultural explanations of heavy drinking in modern society. As a starting point, Alasuutari uses a cognitive concept of frames in order to study the social and cultural boundedness of alcohol related problems. The ethnographic narratives concentrate on specific cases, but stress the theoretical level of analysis, and reveal the ways in which the alcoholism frame is linked with Western culture and society. Alasuutari also provides an analysis of the role of the temperance movement and ideology in Finland, and the rise of the distinction between normal and pathological drinking.

Similar books