Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Evidence of the presence of alcohol in human societies extends to the beginning of recorded history. Nearly all human societies have discovered and used some form of beverage alcohol ( Heath 2000 ). Ethanol, the genre of alcohol consumed by humans, occurs as a natural product of the fermentation of common foods. In decaying fruit, sugar converts to ethanol, and likewise with grain and potatoes, where decay and fermentation move from starch to sugar to ethanol. Thus ethanol's production and discovery of its psychoactive effects likely occurred accidentally when humans attempted to store food for later consumption. The discovery of the psychoactive effects of this substance likely led quite quickly to the deliberate production of alcoholic beverages. The normative structures surrounding the use of alcohol have varied greatly over time and geography. Many settings have been observed by social scientists where drinking almost solely accompanies rituals of celebration and social solidarity ( Bacon 1943 ). In many settings alcohol is consumed regularly as a part of normal diet. Some preparations, especially beers, have significant nutritional value, while consumption of diluted wine, via the purifying effects of alcohol, allows for safe use of otherwise marginal water supplies. Together with evidence of positive social effects of alcohol use, there is a long historical record of events ... log in or subscribe to read full text