Assignment: Social construction of alcohol problems and social control of alcohol
Expected length: 3-4 double spaced pages (2-3 single spaced), not more than 1000 words or an equivalent presentation.
Briefly address an alcohol problem that has received significant public attention at some point in the past 150 years–OR that you think should be receiving significant attention, and which some have tried to call attention to, but unsuccessfully.
Be as specific as possible—for example, if you choose the prohibition movement, you should pick a aspect, such as a specific place/time/actor and focus in on that, rather than trying to address 50+ years of a huge social movement.
Consider that social problems are often BOTH truly serious problems but are also socially constructed in specific ways that can be problematic.
Discuss the social construction of the problem. (30 points)
Discuss to what extent social control measures were implemented due to this public attention-raising.
This includes:
Describing the “true” nature of the problem, in your personal assessment.
You will also want to do at least some of the following to get at the social construction of the problem–what made it a hot topic? Or assess why it was NOT as hot of a topic as you would expect.
Discuss the actor(s) who brought public attention to the problem—who were they and what was their stake in this? Address whether they fit Becker’s “moral entrepreneur” model.
Describe the techniques the actor(s) used to do this and the way they emphasized the nature of the problem. Who, if anyone, is constructed to be a victim? Who, if anyone, is constructed as a villain or threat?
If there is no one easily identifiable moral entrepreneur, describe the nature of the problem as presented in popular news, public service accounts, or expressions of public concern.
If it was/is NOT a hot topic, assess whether any attempts to bring attention have been made. Why have these failed? OR consider what features of a “moral entrepreneur” might help make it a hotter topic.
