LE3 .A278 2010

2010

Powers, Ann Marie

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Honours

Sociology

Sociology

This thesis explores and examines Acadia University‘ s drinking culture autoethnographically and through subcultures based on age, sex and athletic status. In doing so, an explanation for how and why students use alcohol in the way that they do can be understood. Additionally, research examines whether or not Acadia possesses a particular drinking culture on its campus. Findings indicate that there is a drinking culture present at on Acadia University‘ s campus. The creation of a drinking culture can be attributed to informal activities like house parties or more formal events that are part of student traditions and are organized as part of campus life. Both males and females were found to drink alcohol, and to self-identify as binge drinkers. There were no major differences found between athletes and non- athletes in terms of drinking habits, aside from athletes displaying more seasonal patterns of binge drinking. Students in every year of study, 1 st through 4 th were identified as student- drinkers, but students identified their 1 st year male sub- group as the being the group of ‗ biggest drinkers‘. Future research suggestions in this thesis include: the examination of the student population both academically and physiologically to further understand the extent of possible harmful consequences associated with Acadia‘ s drinking culture. As well, further research on the effects of the drinking habits of sub- groups with the suggestion of possible remedies for the negative consequences that come from binge drinking should be taken into consideration.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:705