New Books in Sociology John O'Brien, "States of Intoxication: The Place of Alcohol in Civilisation" (Routledge, 2018)
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Apr 29, 2024 
Sociologist John O'Brien discusses the role of alcohol in society, highlighting its importance in community development and tax bases. The podcast explores the historical context of alcohol, state reliance on intoxication for revenue, and the cultural differences in alcohol consumption. It also delves into the impact of industry concentration on consumer behavior, the link between alcohol, creativity, and urban revitalization, and the cyclical nature of government policies on substance consumption.
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Alcohol and State Revenue
- Alcohol and other psychoactive substances have consistently been a significant source of revenue for governments.
- This reliance is especially pronounced in the early modern period where alcohol taxes could reach up to 60% of total state revenue.
Rituals and Alcohol Consumption
- Traditional societies often use alcohol in rituals, providing a structured context for consumption and mitigating potential problems.
- Modern Western cultures, with their individualistic approach to alcohol, lack this ritual framework, contributing to higher rates of alcohol-related issues.
The Camba and Ritual Drinking
- The Camba people of Bolivia, studied by Dwight B. Heath, consume a potent 89% alcohol spirit within a highly ritualized context.
- Despite this, they exhibit no signs of alcohol dependence or addiction outside of these rituals, highlighting the regulatory power of ritual.