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Research Article

Public drinking, social connection and social capital: A qualitative study

, &
Pages 218-228 | Received 21 Feb 2013, Accepted 03 Jun 2013, Published online: 17 Jul 2013
 

Abstract

Social isolation is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality which has resulted in calls for facilitating social connection to be a public health priority, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged population groups. While previous research has explored the role that social connection played in diverse domains, including Skid Row drinkers from the 1950s to the 1970s, its role in the lives of public drinkers has been otherwise neglected. Laws prohibiting the public drinking of alcohol are widely implemented around the world but have been the subject of very little social analysis. A recent evaluation of public drinking laws in three urban districts of Melbourne, Australia, sought the perspectives of police, council officers, outreach workers, traders, community members and public drinkers in evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the laws; this article seeks to foreground the public drinkers’ voice. Qualitative interviews with public drinkers were analysed for relevance to the theme of “social connection”. Themes arising from the analysis indicated a strong sense of family or community amongst drinkers and frequent organisation of drinking groups along ethnic lines, as well as the provision of bonding social capital. The benefits of providing public drinkers with a legitimate and appropriate public space to promote existing social connections while undertaking a favoured activity, drinking alcohol, are discussed. At a time when fostering social connection is identified as a key public health strategic direction, the needs of public drinkers in this respect should be considered.

Notes

1. This article uses the terms social connection and social isolation. Where terms differ in the literature, such as the use of social network or social relationships, the term is reproduced from the reference. Although there are subtle differences in meaning, the closeness is considered to be sufficient for the references to support the argument about the benefits of social connection and the harm caused by social isolation.

2. Key informants subsequently advised us that the Africans referred to here were Sudanese.

3. Koori is a term used by Indigenous Australians in south eastern Australia to describe themselves.

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