The Reduction of Consumption in Two Cohorts of Italian Men: Some Interpretations

Abstract

The majority of the interviewees in two cohorts of Italian men, aged 40–45 and 65–70, believed that their consumption patterns were similar to those they knew (who belonged to the same age group), so the lifetime consumption patterns also tended to be similar. The members of each group considered certain aspects of the consumption model to be particular to their age group, the “peak consumption model” for the younger age group, the “no-peak consumption model” for the older age group: they recognized that the factors inducing them to modify their consumption habits were common to other members of their generation.

Both models allowed us to explain the different mechanisms behind a specific course of action. In substance, the individual's choice to modify his/her own consumption style by reducing the quantity of alcohol consumed could be influenced by a status transition or need to protect his/her own health. However, the differences between the two models were explained only by adopting a historic interpretation. The situational mechanisms did not influence alcoholic behavior in different social and cultural contexts.