Drinking on Campus

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the problem of controlling alcohol use on college campuses from a sociological perspective. The paper considers the relevancy of sociological theory to the problem, as well as its solution, and then presents an argument that social programs have focused on education, enforcement, and eradication. It asserts that, from a sociological view, control may or may not lead to normative change. This is followed by discussion of social learning theory and a review of relevant literature on both group and personal aspects of intervention policies. Next is a discussion of social norm definition and a brief introduction to Hawkins's social development strategy. The paper concludes with the assertion that education and clarification of perceptions of accepted norms are only one strategy for prevention of alcohol-related problems on campus and argues that, by instituting a sociological perspective, other strategies may be developed, which focus on the peer relationship as a means to change.

From the Paper:

"Sociology is a science that studies people: what makes them tick, the patterns of their behavior and how the individual fits within the schema of society. The physical and social world is perceived and understood according to a shared sense of order, or predictability, as well as the meaning attached to people, things, and actions. The shared beliefs of a community form the basis for the norms and mores by which the parameters of control, or levels of sanctioning, are derived. In understanding social phenomenon, it is best to understand how the individual participates in the larger social structure. Society may be made up of individuals; however, each individual develops along lines determined by the social and cultural paradigm. One such cultural circumstance derives from the use of alcohol on college and university campuses."

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