Preventing alcohol abuse : alcohol, culture and control /

The strength of this book lies in Hanson's ability to coalesce widely scattered data and findings about alcohol consumption and the problems associated with drinking from both historical and cross-cultural perspectives. In the first chapter, Hanson looks at drinking practices in the ancient period, the early Christian period, the Middle Ages, and the early modern period, and summarizes each period factually and succinctly. The second chapter delves into alcohol use around the world. There is an extended discussion of the classic thesis in Craig MacAndrew and Robert Edgerton's Drunken Comportment (1969). Hanson also describes how cultural values and attitudes largely determine what is considered drunken behavior (comportment); how intoxicated behavior results from social norms; how drinking behavior is maintained; and the role of genetics in drinking behavior. He reviews drinking practices among Jews, the Irish, Italians, Chinese, and Mormons, and examines American experiences with alcohol and various approaches to problems associated with drinking. He concludes with a well-written summary and recommendations for reducing alcohol problems. Although his sources are dated, Hanson provides a good overview. Upper-division undergraduates and above. P. J. Venturelli; Valparaiso University