Reports that in an effort to slow down drunk driving accidents,
most states have lifted the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. Highway
funding dependent on it; Such legislation has had no effect on reducing
consumption; Linda Mooney, pathologist; Alcohol's prevalence in college
culture; Reasons why alcohol consumption is up among college
students.
By
PT Staff, published on July 01, 1992
Drinking
In an effort to slow down drunk-driving accidents, most states have
lifted the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. Highway funding is even
dependent on it.
Trouble is, such legislation has had no effect on reducing
consumption. In colleges across the country, reports sociologist Linda
Mooney, students continue to drink as much--if not more--than when the
legal limit was 18. Availability is not what motivates kids to
drink.
"Alcohol is so prevalent and a part of the college
culture--fraternity and sorority parties, sporting events, and
such--that, regardless, the drinking goes on," reports Mooney, professor
of sociology at East Carolina University. In a controlled study of two
colleges and their drinking habits, she found that in the one where the
drinking age was 21, the students actually consumed more alcohol than at
the one in Louisiana, one of the few states where the drinking age is
18.
A keg of reasons keep alcohol consumption up among college
students:
o Above all, drinking is a sociable activity, a way to meet
people.
o Drinking activities are a rite of passage, signifying a new
freedom and entry into the next phase of adulthood, after learning to
drive and getting a license.
o Drinking is traditional. Each campus tends to have its own
culture, and, as each incoming class is drawn into that culture, the
ecycle continues.
o Where the drinking age is 21, forbidden-fruit pressure may
promote drinking.
As the age limit is raised, students shift to places where proof of
age is not required. And if it is, they use false IDs. Some students even
"front load"--drink before going out.
Although the law appears ineffective, Mooney suggests it's not
totally useless. "If you make the limit 21, it will be more difficult for
teenagers to buy alcohol."
PHOTO (COLOR): Book
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