Binge Drinking Theory Essay

Applying Conflict Theory to Binge Drinking Society is broken down and understood through the use of theories. Social theories are analytical frameworks used to understand social problems that plague society. (Hungerford, 2008). Conflict theorists explain how society is structured to benefit few at the expense of the majority (Hungerford, 2008). Alcohol has become increasingly accessible over the past two decades, increasing the injuries and deaths among society (about the campaign, n.d.). For the purpose of this essay, the definition of binge drinking is the consumption of five or more alcoholic drinks during a sitting, causing the consumer to become intoxicated (Tomsovic, 1974, as cited in Courtney, Polich, 2009). In the last 10 years there …show more content…
The amount of alcohol consumed during a binge session leads to health, social, economic, and legal consequences (wechsler 2000, as cited in Courtney, Polich, 2009). Short term effects of binge drinking include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and alcohol poisoning. Alcohol alters your behavior and results in assaults, unwanted pregnancies, car accidents, and reckless spending while intoxicated (Facts about binge drinking, 2015). Alcohol related harm is an issue in Australia, being responsible for 3,000 deaths and 65,000 hospitalizations yearly (About the campaign, n.d.). Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, have been linked to binge drinking in adults (falk et al., 2008; Grant et al,. 2009 as Gmel, Kuntsche, Rehm, 2011, pg. 1432). Conflict theorists argue that workers are alienated by the bourgeoisie and are targeted for binge drinking. The proletariats engage in binge drinking to overcome their socioeconomic problems and sense of …show more content…
Companies selling alcohol provide a positive image by promoting it and getting celebrities to endorse it (R. Colman & A. Colman, 2003). Businesses want proletariats to view alcohol as a social norm leading them to partake in binge drinking. Binge drinking occurs in group settings, the shared experience allowing the group to grow closer (Kubacki, Siemieniako, Rundle‐Thiele, 2011). Marketing causes consumption of alcohol at social outings to rise, forcing the individual to spend their money and time. Resources spent on binge drinking could be put towards education or career to form an improved future. Instead, proletariats are forced to continue working due to finances continuously spent on alcohol consumption. Wealthy classes use the lure of alcohol to gain profit and control the working