Abstract
ABSTRACTHarmful alcohol drinking can have health and socio-economic consequences. However, consumption is also associated with pleasure and symbolic meanings. Alcohol intake is increasing in Sri Lanka. In-depth explorations of alcohol patterns are needed to inform interventions and policies. Qualitative data were collected over 11 months in 2014 and 2015 in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Ten focus group discussions were conducted in gender, age and geographically (rural and semi-urban) segregated groups. Observations were conducted at alcohol selling establishments and social gatherings. Bourdieu’s concepts practice, habitus, symbolic capital and distinction were used for the analysis. Three groups of consumers emerged: moderate consumers, abstainers and heavy drinkers. They each exercised distinctions through social codes of conduct within and towards other groups of consumers. Symbolic capital was expressed through choice of alcohol. Norms of ‘acceptable consumption’ were defined as ‘moderate drinking’ in covert, social and contained settings. Public, uncontrolled and solitary consumption violated norms of appropriate consumption. Young consumers communicated a ‘modern lifestyle’ through their consumption. This study found that alcohol practices mirrored social norms in this Sri Lankan setting. Alcohol and drug prevention and intervention efforts should take this into account.
Highlights
It is well-established that alcohol is a contributor to ill health and social harm (World Health Organization, 2018), including for people other than the consumer (Room et al, 2010)
Medical and socio-economic problems stemming from alcohol drinking are evident in Sri Lanka, where an increase in alcohol consumption has been reported
Underreporting of alcohol consumption is likely influenced by the main religion in Sri Lanka, Buddhism, where alcohol can be considered immoral (Gombrich & Obeyesekere, 1988)
Summary
It is well-established that alcohol is a contributor to ill health and social harm (World Health Organization, 2018), including for people other than the consumer (Room et al, 2010). Annual per capita consumption of legal pure alcohol increased by 62% since 1998 and was estimated as 2.6 l in 2013 (Nugawela, Lewis, Szatkowski, & Langley, 2017). While this is low compared to international standards (World Health Organization, 2018), illicit alcohol consumption, mainly consumed in rural areas, was estimated to account for 40% of the total consumption between 2008 and 2010 (World Health Organization, 2014). This makes realistic figures of alcohol consumption much higher. Considering the widespread consumption of illicit alcohol and the large group of abstainers (65.7%) (Katulanda et al, 2014), those who consume alcohol often do so at rates above the per capita estimates
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