New Books Network Susan D. Stewart. "On the Rocks: Straight Talk about Women and Drinking" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022)
Sep 20, 2025
Susan D. Stewart, a sociology professor and expert on women's health, dives into the complexities of women's drinking habits. She explores the societal pressures behind rising alcohol consumption among midlife women, including workplace norms and marketing tactics like the 'wine mom' culture. Stewart highlights the stigma surrounding solo drinking and the nuances in women’s relationships with alcohol. Her research suggests significant public health implications and touches on future projects related to cannabis use as a potential substitute for alcohol.
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Women’s Drinking Is Rising
- Women's alcohol use has been increasing and converging with men's use over recent decades.
- This rise is driven by growing consumption among midlife women rather than declines in men's drinking.
Workplace Culture Normalizes Drinking
- Women adopt drinking behaviors as they enter traditionally male spaces like workplaces.
- Alcohol becomes normalized via office culture and client entertaining in many professions.
Parenting Scenes Include Alcohol
- Parenting and social life now include alcohol as a bonding tool, e.g., 'wine mom' culture at playdates and games.
- Drinking functions as social glue and a way for mothers to connect and perform gendered networks.
