Family life and alcohol consumption: The transmission of ‘public’ and ‘private’ drinking cultures

Abstract

This article considers the transmission of drinking cultures within families. In particular, we highlight the differential and discursive construction of the home as a space where parents/carers are happy to introduce children to alcohol in a ‘safe’ environment in opposition to public spaces which they consider to be locations where alcohol consumption is associated with violence and disorder. Presenting empirical research undertaken in the UK, we argue that parents/carers miss the opportunity to teach children about the range of drinking practices and spaces they may experience throughout their lives and fail to engage with their children about wider social responsibilities as potential drinkers in the future. We conclude with theoretical- and policy-relevant insights.