How Jews Avoid Alcohol Problems

Data from a detailed study of Jews in an American community suggest a revised explanation that focuses upon four protective social processes: association of alcohol abuse with non-Jews, integration of moderate drinking norms, practices and symbolism during childhood by means of religious and secular ritual, and a repertoire of techniques to avoid excess drinking under social pressure.

Abstract

Twenty-five years have passed since the last major study of Jewish drinking patterns. During that time Jews have drifted away from the Orthodox religious affiliations which the earlier studies (Snyder, 1958; 1978) found to be important in maintaining low alcohol problem rates, and yet these rates remain low. Data from a detailed study of Jews in an American community suggest a revised explanation that focuses upon four protective social processes: (1) association of alcohol abuse with non-Jews; (2) integration of moderate drinking norms, practices and symbolism during childhood by means of religious and secular ritual; (3) restriction of most adult primary relationships to other moderate drinkers; and (4) a repertoire of techniques to avoid excess drinking under social pressure. The results are discussed from the perspective of informal social controls.