Reflections of Social Thought in Research on Women and Alcoholism

Abstract

The author posits the notion that research on alcoholism and women in the last five decades is a reflection of social thought and that these reflections change according to the social context in which they occur. The author traces the historical evolution of alcoholism research as it applies to women and uses a phenomenological method to identify specific themes in the literature. These themes are discussed as reflectors of social thought in different historical periods; the significance of the social context of these periods is also considered. Identification of these themes provides one means of addressing the relationship between research on women and alcoholism and social thought. Applications to research, prevention, and treatment are discussed.