‘I don't think old people should go to clubs’: how universal is the alcohol transition amongst young adults in the United Kingdom?

Seaman, P. and Ikegwuonu, T. (2011) ‘I don't think old people should go to clubs’: how universal is the alcohol transition amongst young adults in the United Kingdom? Journal of Youth Studies, 14(7), pp. 745-759. (doi: 10.1080/13676261.2011.588946)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2011.588946

Abstract

Understanding the meanings, associations and ideas of appropriateness that shape young adults’ decision-making around alcohol will assist in developing strategies to promote healthy consumption and anticipate rates of future harm. Increases in per capita consumption as well as the affordability and availability of alcohol suggest the cultural environment in which young adults become consumers of alcohol has changed in recent years. This qualitative study investigated the role of alcohol within the transitions to adulthood of 18–25 year olds living in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The findings support previous research that has identified excessive consumption of alcohol as a component of a normative understanding of life-course that positions young adulthood as liminal and offering a safe space for boundary pushing and identity exploration. However, exploring differences in the opportunity to enact taken-for-granted alcohol and life-course related norms highlights the limits of universal understandings of young adulthood across different socio-economic experiences of this age group in the United Kingdom. Inequalities in alcohol and life-course related risk are identified that should be of interest to policy-makers and educators in the field of alcohol. The broad implications for policy direction are discussed. The project was funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Seaman, Dr Peter and Ikegwuonu, Dr Theresa
Authors: Seaman, P., and Ikegwuonu, T.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Journal of Youth Studies
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:1367-6261
ISSN (Online):1469-9680
Published Online:05 July 2011

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