Social norms related to illicit alcohol consumption

Simon Pkukat Cherpka, Prof Beneah Mutsotso and Evans Okumu

Journal of Sociology in East and Horn of Africa, 2025, vol. 1, issue 1, 12–24

Abstract: This paper explores the influence of social norms on illicit alcohol consumption in Embakasi East, focusing on the interplay between community attitudes, peer influence, and accessibility factors. Guided by the premise that prevailing social norms significantly shape drinking behaviours, a quantitative research design was adopted, employing descriptive and correlational approaches. Data were obtained from 119 adult consumers of illicit alcohol through survey questionnaires. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA, revealed that peer acceptance of illicit drinking, perceived normalisation of alcohol misuse within social circles, and affordability were key predictor norms of consumption patterns. Results also indicate that normalised social tolerance towards illicit alcohol is closely linked to the density and accessibility of unlicensed outlets, creating a reinforcing cycle of demand. The findings underscore the need for multi-level interventions combining community-based norm change strategies with stricter control of illicit alcohol availability to effectively address harmful consumption behaviours.

Keywords: Illicit alcohol consumption; social norms; Quantity and Frequency of Consumption (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://doi.org/10.66699/adgxxz03 (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eom:eajstr:a:7

DOI: 10.66699/adgxxz03

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of Sociology in East and Horn of Africa is currently edited by Prof. Beneah M. Mutsotso

More articles in Journal of Sociology in East and Horn of Africa from HRL Journal Service
Bibliographic data for series maintained by HRL Journal Service ().