The Rules of ‘Shouting’ in Drinking Groups in Sydney Public Bars

Abstract

A series of informal discussions were held with fifteen Sydney men who regularly participate in drinking groups. These discussions were used to ascertain what rules if any were adhered to by the members of such groups. It was possible to devise five distinct unspoken rules of shouting which were said to be operant in most Australian drinking groups. A further 35 drinking group participants were then asked independently to assess the rules in the light of their personal experience. A general confirmation of the five unspoken rules of shouting behaviour was obtained. A series of unobtrusive observations in the public bars of some inner city Sydney hotels was then undertaken. One hundred and twenty‐four participants in 38 drinking groups were observed. Certain aspects of the shouting behaviour, drinking rates and relevant items of conversation were noted. It was observed that the five unspoken rules of shouting disclosed by the earlier interviews and discussions were strictly adhered to. Furthermore, each group member tended to conform to patterns of behaviour and rates of drinking that were consistent with the rest of his drinking group.