StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...

Effect of Culture and Law on Alcohol-Related Crime in the UK - Research Paper Example

Cite this document
Summary
In the study “Effect of Culture and Law on Alcohol-Related Crime in the UK” the author shares his anxiety about growing alcohol-related crime due to the lack of the population’s settledness about the dangers of alcohol abuse, poor public and authorities’ interaction, and gaps in the legislation.
 …
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER92% of users find it useful
Effect of Culture and Law on Alcohol-Related Crime in the UK
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Effect of Culture and Law on Alcohol-Related Crime in the UK"

Download file to see previous pages

Since the late eighteenth century, the drinking culture has become very strong in Britain. The abundance of drink providing centers brought about a change in consumption patterns; and served to transform the perception regarding public drinking, among the denizens of UK. These changes enhanced incidences of violence and sexual harassment, by perpetrators, who were intoxicated. In this manner, there was an increase in alcohol-related violence, which in turn generated public concern about the consumption of alcoholic drinks (Valentine, Holloway, Knell, & Jayne 2008: 30).

The Englishman was renowned for gentlemanly behavior and restraint, which has been rendered a mockery by the extant situation in this once noble nation. The consumption of alcohol, in excess, can be attributed to a number of cultural influences. The decline in drinking amongst the labor class, in the late nineteenth century, due to the availability of new avenues for entertainment, like music halls, football, cigarettes, and holiday tourism. There was a Great Depression, between the First and Second world wars.

However, many of the workers witnessed an increase in wages during that period (Easton, 2010). It is a sad commentary upon the British that their national pastime has been confined to drinking to excess and watching football. During participation in the latter activity, violent incidents are common, and these are the handiwork of the drunken spectators.  Despite the growth in wages, the spending on drinking did not increase; and the contention of many regarding this surprising trend was the availability of alternate attractions that were affordable.

Some of these included radios, gramophones, gardening, cinema and places where one could play billiards and snooker (Easton, 2010). There is a close interrelation betwixt alcohol and crime. The British Medical Association has categorically stated that 70% of murders and stabbings, and half of the domestic assaults and brawls, were related to the consumption of alcohol. The pernicious effect of alcohol is not restricted to just this area, and 88% of the individuals, who had been apprehended for criminal damage, and 83% of those who had breached the peace, 41% of those who had committed theft, and 26% of those who had committed a burglary had consumed strong drink, within a four hour period, prior to the commission of such acts (Dingwall).

Moreover, considerable concern was generated in society at large, due to the unseemly behavior of drunken members of the citizenry, in public places; and the significant damage that had resulted from such uncouth drunken conduct. There are several undesirable drinking habits, like excessive intake of alcohol to dependence on alcohol, which constitute problem drinking. Vulnerability to such patterns of drinking is increased by environmental and genetic risk factors (Jethwa 2009: 29). Despite the common practice of stereotyping alcoholics, in reality, the term typical alcoholic proves to be a misnomer.

From this perspective it becomes obvious that the legislative initiative of the government, in the context of the consumption of alcohol, would be directed at reducing the number of persons indulging in binge drinking; and would not be seized with bringing about a reduction in the number of individuals that were dependent on alcohol. In addition to alcohol consumption screening, it would be preferable for healthcare professionals to comprehend the socio-psychological factors involved, prior to recommending voluntary forbearance regarding the consumption of alcohol (Jethwa 2009: 29).

Legislation can only reduce the number of persons, who drink to excess; but it cannot hope to reduce the number of persons who are addicted to alcohol. One of the traits of alcohol is that it drastically reduces a person’s inhibitions. Therefore, under the influence of alcohol, individuals do not hesitate to perform activities, which they would have not performed, under normal conditions. Alcohol has been employed as a means of socializing and it helps to reduce informality between people, when consumed in moderate quantities.

In addition, it encourages people to intermingle with others, and even with comparative strangers. In parties, alcohol produces a friendly and convivial atmosphere (Alcohol and Crime).

...Download file to see next pages Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(Effect of Culture and Law on Alcohol-Related Crime in the UK Research Paper, n.d.)
Effect of Culture and Law on Alcohol-Related Crime in the UK Research Paper. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/social-science/1732330-changes-in-culture-and-the-legal-system-in-the-united-kingdom-over-the-last-30-years-and-their-effect-on-alcohol-related-crime
(Effect of Culture and Law on Alcohol-Related Crime in the UK Research Paper)
Effect of Culture and Law on Alcohol-Related Crime in the UK Research Paper. https://studentshare.org/social-science/1732330-changes-in-culture-and-the-legal-system-in-the-united-kingdom-over-the-last-30-years-and-their-effect-on-alcohol-related-crime.
“Effect of Culture and Law on Alcohol-Related Crime in the UK Research Paper”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/social-science/1732330-changes-in-culture-and-the-legal-system-in-the-united-kingdom-over-the-last-30-years-and-their-effect-on-alcohol-related-crime.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Effect of Culture and Law on Alcohol-Related Crime in the UK

Critically evaluate what problems are caused by drugs among youth population in UK

In 2009 a study concluded that there has been a 12 percent increase in drug users aged 13 to24 in uk in the past two years (Reed, J.... Around 320,000 drug users were found to be involved in serious criminal activity in uk (Steele, J.... The main contributors to the addiction rate are the younger people of uk.... The reported number of drug offences has decreased in 2010 by 1 percent as compared to the previous year but this decrease only tells us that the policing practice has changed regarding drug offenses (Home Office uk, 2011)....
7 Pages (1750 words) Essay

Risk of Studying Abroad

Psychological risks These are risks that related to the social and emotional wellbeing of students that result from the overall experience of being in a new culture and different environment.... These challenges pose the ultimate risk of culture shock associated with being in a new... The world is rapidly changing and tending more towards independence, therefore, understanding the culture, language, perspective, needs, and concerns of people from outside one's own country helps students to cope better with the rapidly changing and complex world....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

Children and Poverty

With the number of government programmes established for the purpose of meeting social needs and the present focus on combined services in the uk, it is apparent… What are the issues in this family?... In addition to living in condemned housing and facing homelessness within 12 months, an overall issue is Each member of the family focuses on personal difficulties and has little interaction with others....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

Social Problems in Society

For example, they drink large amounts of liquor; which can lead to another major problem with alcoholism, and it can be seen as a social problem because it increases the risks of committing a crime, such as rape, child abuse, and assaults.... However, those in favor of the legalization of recreational drugs argue that legalization would not only drive away from the gangsters but also transform drugs from a law-and-order problem into a public health problem, which is how they argue, it ought to be treated (“How to stop the drug wars”)....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Binge Drinking as a Social Problem in Britain

The drinking culture is quite prevalent given that there are parties on a regular basis where people go and consume large amounts of alcohol.... According an article by Robertson in the Guardian newspaper, most teenagers in Britain think that there is nothing wrong with binge drinking....
4 Pages (1000 words) Research Paper
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us