This master's thesis investigates emerging adults' attitudes toward alcohol consumption. The central research problem emerges from the tension between the social normalization of alcohol use and its associated risks. The study focuses on the formation, experience, and reproduction of norms related to alcohol consumption among emerging adults. The objective of the study is to improve the understanding of these processes and their impact on young adults' personal decisions and future expectations regarding alcohol use.
The theoretical section addresses alcohol consumption as a social and cultural phenomenon, emphasizing theories of social norms and the specific characteristics of alcohol use in the Slovenian context. Adolescence is examined as a developmental and social stage, with particular attention to identity formation, socialization, and risk behaviours. The discussion then turns to emerging adults' attitudes toward alcohol consumption, the prevalence of drinking, and related risk and protective factors. The final part of the theoretical framework explores the role of social work in adolescent alcohol consumption, including preventive strategies, collaborative solution development, and ethical considerations. The empirical part of the study used a qualitative research approach, conducting semi-structured interviews to collect narratives of emerging adults about their experiences with alcohol consumption or abstinence. The research looked at how participants viewed peer and societal norms around alcohol use. It also paid close attention to how they made personal decisions about drinking. Finally, the study explored what participants expected about their own future alcohol use.
The results indicate a normalization of alcohol consumption and a high level of acceptability among emerging adults in the study. Alcohol use is expected, and not conforming to this expectation results in multiple forms of social pressure. When examining the development and reproduction of alcohol related norms, participants emphasized the roles of both family and peers. The family was considered more significant in establishing norms, whereas peers were viewed as more influential in their reproduction. Additionally, participants recognized the media and broader societal norms as important factors in developing and reproducing these norms. Participants observed positive shifts in alcohol related norms, attributing these changes mainly to greater awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. Individuals who consume alcohol reported that their decision to drink or abstain was somewhat constrained, whereas abstinent participants regarded their choice as free. They generally perceived their decision to abstain as permanent. Participants who consume alcohol, however, anticipated either maintaining or decreasing their consumption in the future. Finally, participants identified legislative interventions, broader societal changes, and preventive interventions as essential strategies for addressing alcohol use among young people.
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