Doing Gender: College Binge Drinking and Its Consequences

• In Event: Research on Gender and Crime in School or Prison Settings

Abstract

Men use more alcohol than women and are more likely to report drinking-related consequences such as trouble with the police (Johnston et al., 2012). Although these differences are well established, gender-relevant factors (e.g., masculinity) have rarely been investigated as an explanation for drinking or other deviant behaviors (Courtenay, 2000; Messerschmidt, 1993). “Gender” is accomplished through everyday interactions with the social world and behaviors are often enacted with an eye on how they might be characterized (West & Zimmerman, 1987). Alcohol is one domain in which gender characterizations are important as differential societal norms dictate “appropriate” alcohol use for men and women. Specific gender descriptions (e.g., manliness) are often tied to particular skills (e.g., ability to handle one’s liquor). Using data from a probability sample of college students at one Midwestern University, we explore the relationship between perceived gender roles, binge drinking and related consequences. We expect to find that those who endorse a more masculine identity will report heavier drinking and drinking-related consequences. Further, we are particularly interested in exploring the role that perceived alcohol-related social norms plays in the relationship. We will explore norms both as a potential mediator and moderator of the relationship between gender roles and drinking.

Authors

• Tim Barnum, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Samantha Clinkinbeard, University of Nebraska at Omaha