Conviviality with and without caution: Variations in situational norms on drinking by consumption level and demography in Australia, 2021

Abstract

Background: Drinking together is a powerful symbol and instrument of conviviality. But alcohol consumption also risks subsequent injury or harm. Deciding to drink in social situations thus involves balancing convivial gains against potential risks. This paper studies the balancing of conviviality with caution by Australian adults in their views on situational norms on drinking.

Methods: In 2021, 2,574 Australians were asked whether and how much drinking was ‘OK’ in eleven social situations of everyday life, mostly involving conviviality, but varying in how much the situation or its aftermath implied drinking limits. The structure of responses was factor analysed, and regression analyses studied how answers on drinking norms related to respondents’ own drinking, demographics and social position.

Results: An exploratory factor analysis found three factors: (1) five situations where conviviality was primary; (2) four situations where there were clear reasons for limiting the drinking; and (3) a weaker factor dominated by situations without conviviality or which transitioned to sobriety. Respondents who on occasion drink heavily generally reported higher drinking norms for all situations. Those with a higher household income, who were younger than 35, and who were current drinkers, were more likely to support drinking in the first factor’s “conviviality” situations. Females were less likely to support drinking in “with caution” situations, while those with higher household incomes and who were self-employed were more likely to support drinking in those situations.   

Conclusion: Australian drinking norms differ by situation, with caution limiting convivial drinking when required by the situation or its aftermath. Differences in normative views vary somewhat by whether and how much a respondent drinks. (263 words)