Conference Papers

Alcohol, violent crime and social power

Stephen Tomsen

Published in:
Alcohol and crime : proceedings of a conference held 4-6 April 1989
Julia Vernon (ed)
ISBN 0 642 14961 5 ; ISSN 1034-5086
Canberra : Australian Institute of Criminology, 1990
(AIC Conference Proceedings; no. 1)

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Abstract

Studies of alcohol, drinking, aggression and violence can be classified into four major categories. These are: studies of individuals and groups who have been under some form of surveillance, treatment, incarceration or punishment from state agencies (including convicted juveniles, adult criminals and prisoners, alcoholics and problem drinkers); studies of violent incidents recorded by state agencies (including records of criminal assaults); clinical studies of aggression and alcohol use conducted by psychologists; and studies of drinking in natural settings. Each of these categories is discussed, noting the link between heavy drinking, aggressive behaviour and the assertion of a strong masculine identity among many groups of drinkers.