What is a culture? The beliefs, social norms, and behaviors of a social group. The set of shared values, attitudes, drives, and social practices that characterizes a group.

At least in the US, drinking among women became part of our culture. What are the characteristics of a behavior when it is accepted? At least it is expected, anticipated, and required. The social norm that follows is that drinking is a requisite in all-social situations in which women are involved, believing that alcohol consumption is a positive component of women’s lives and interactions between us. The Feminine Drinking Culture helps dissipate a historical envy and competition between women and develop a friendship and support system. This camaraderie is typical in men but very rare in women.

Of course, alcohol is used to feel better, and this is the role that plays in many women’s life. Essentially, this is linked to feeling good and doing fairly well in challenging fields. But for many women, alcohol is used (unconsciously) to calm external and internalized pressures and slowly becomes a crucial relationship in our lives and a necessary part of our daily routine.

To be part of the Feminine Drinking Culture, we are conditioned to believe that we shouldn’t criticize drinking alcohol; that we shouldn’t be concerned about drinking, that we should justify drinking as an essential part of social activities, dates, and using it as a decompression tool regarding personal life; and finally that there are ONLY two types of drinkers: those who can control themselves (us = social/everyday drinkers) and those who can’t (they = alcoholics).

Photo credit: Kelsey Chance