Problem Drinking or Problem Thinking? Patterns of Abuse in Sociological Research

Abstract

Representation of alcohol studies in major sociology journals is very limited. The articles which do appear are of considerable significance as a window to the sociological community of the alcohol research specialty. A review of three articles appearing in these major journals reveals substantial problems in methodology, and gaps between the data and the stated conclusions. These problems are considered within the framework of broader issues, especially the impact of excluding non-drinkers from statistical analyses and medicalized assumptions about the meaning of alcohol use. Cross fertilization between alcohol studies and prominent sociological literature is recommended.