Abstract:
Harmful alcohol drinking can have health and socio-economic
consequences. However, consumption is also associated with pleasure
and symbolic meanings. Alcohol intake is increasing in Sri Lanka. In depth explorations of alcohol patterns are needed to inform
interventions and policies. Qualitative data were collected over 11
months in 2014 and 2015 in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Ten
focus group discussions were conducted in gender, age and
geographically (rural and semi-urban) segregated groups. Observations
were conducted at alcohol selling establishments and social gatherings.
Bourdieu’s concepts practice, habitus, symbolic capital and distinction
were used for the analysis. Three groups of consumers emerged:
moderate consumers, abstainers and heavy drinkers. They each
exercised distinctions through social codes of conduct within and
towards other groups of consumers. Symbolic capital was expressed
through choice of alcohol. Norms of ‘acceptable consumption’ were
defined as ‘moderate drinking’ in covert, social and contained settings.
Public, uncontrolled and solitary consumption violated norms of
appropriate consumption. Young consumers communicated a ‘modern
lifestyle’ through their consumption. This study found that alcohol
practices mirrored social norms in this Sri Lankan setting. Alcohol and
drug prevention and intervention efforts should take this into account.
