Alcohol & Masculinity with Peter Thorburn

Alcohol is the number one drug in New Zealand, and it’s been estimated that alcohol-related harm costs $8 billion in New Zealand and about 600 to 1000 people die each year because of alcohol. There is a plethora of different reasons as to why people turn to alcohol to deal with resolved trauma. However, alcohol has been used throughout history in many cultures and religions dating as far back as 7,000 BCE.

Masculinity are a set of attributes associated with associated with boys and men. Standards of masculinity vary across different cultures and historical periods. Masculinity is also distinct from the definition of the male biological sex. These masculine norms are socially constructed beliefs, values, and expectations of what it means to be a man. Men create these norms within social groups and then are further reinforced by media. Winning, emotional control, dominance, and self-reliance are all examples of attributes desirable by certain groups of men.

We had a session with Peter Thorburn on the 29th of September with about 45 community members keen to learn about alcohol and masculinity. We had a history lesson on alcohol and different cultural practices throughout the centuries. Peter also tied-in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and an action plan to respond to FASD in our communities. We also learnt about how sexualised behaviours are associated with alcohol, and how alcohol companies use advertising and sports sponsorships to target men.

Understanding the relationship between alcohol and masculinity is key because of the role alcohol plays in most cases of family violence. Knowing the red flags, causes, and consequences can play a huge part in minimizing alcohol abuse and preventing FASD in our tamariki.