Abstract
Has the liberalization of the formal control of alcohol consumption in Denmark led to a “liberalization” of the informal, social regulation of the drinking habits as well? A comparison between two surveys, made among men between ages 30 to 44 years old in Copenhagen in 1964 and 1993, shows that new forms of alcohol regulation have developed as the old control measures have been phased out. Social control, which earlier was implicitly tied to social custom, has become more explicit.
Self-regulation is guided by a more differentiated individual awareness of problems. Women's regulation of men's alcohol use has increased and includes also lower consumption levels. In the workplace, regulations have become formalized within a system of labour agreements. Additionally the drinking habits at work are directed more by the individual than by custom.
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