Alcohol in Courtship Contexts: Focus-Group Interviews with Young Swedish Women and Men

Abstract

This study consisted of focus-group interviews carried out in different parts of Sweden with young adults from varying social environments. The groups were taken from naturally existing networks of friends, and one of the principal items of discussion centered on the role of alcohol in social interplay between the sexes. The analysis shows both similarities and differences between how women and men talk about the significance of alcohol in making new contacts. Both give alcohol a similar and high rating for facilitating flirtation. In discussion of the pick-up situation, however, clear differences appear. The women's view was that for a woman it is possible to take sexual initiatives while being intoxicated, though within limits. What men describe in the corresponding situation is that for them intoxication is a means of daring to be open and natural with women.