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Abstract

Alcohol use in the UK is often thought to be a key part of university life for many students and an important factor in socialising. Research has shown that students consume more alcohol than non-students of a similar age. This research explores whether alcohol use has become normalized amongst university students, and what the reasons for this are. Additionally, there has been a more recent trend of young people abstaining from alcohol, and this research will address whether this trend includes university students. Alcohol use is often viewed as problematic and concerning worldwide, however this does not always include student alcohol use. Alcohol use that may be seen as problematic external to the university setting is often viewed as acceptable whilst at university. As such, this could indicate alcohol use has become normalized. To research this, I conducted semi-structured interviews with 7 final year undergraduate students. Participants responses were subsequently analysed using thematic analysis with coding. Data suggested that alcohol use has become normalized amongst university students, more specifically problematic or heavy alcohol use. Key reasons for this included student identity, transitional periods and peers. The trend of abstaining is not thought to have infiltrated university; however, student alcohol use may be in decline.

Course: Sociology - BSc (Hons) - C0315

Date Deposited: 2020-10-14

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13574.html