Legal Drinking Age in the U.S.

Paper Summary:

The paper considers arguments both opposed to a minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) of 21 and in favor of a MLDA and then concludes with arguments in favor of a MLDA. The paper includes statistics regarding the effects of a MLDA, which support the author's conclusion.

From the Paper:

"Proponents of lowering the drinking age argue that young people under the age of 21 tend to drink in a more abuse manner than do those of legal age, as alcohol is seen as a "forbidden fruit". One such proponent is Dr. Ruth Engs, Professor of Applied Health Sciences at Indiana University in Bloomington. According to Engs (Alcohol and Youth Issues, 2004): "Although the legal purchase age is 21, a majority of young people under this age consume alcohol, and too many of them do so in an irresponsible manner. This is largely because drinking is seen by these youth as an enticing "forbidden fruit," a "badge of rebellion against authority," and a symbol of adulthood.""

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