Institute of Alcohol Studies
Institute of Alcohol Studies
Alcohol Alert - September 2024
Alcohol Alert - September 2024
Alcohol Alert - September 2024
Thursday 26th September 2024
Explore the historical impact of temperance movements and their role in shaping societal attitudes towards alcohol in the UK.
47 minutes
informative
challenging
historical
reflective
thought-provoking
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Institute of Alcohol Studies
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Navigating Alcohol Dependency
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Get the buttons here!The Temperance Movement: Impact and Legacy
Episode Overview
- Temperance provided alternative spaces to pubs.
- It was linked to working class social movements.
- Temperance influenced political figures and policies.
- The movement shaped societal expectations around alcohol.
- Temperance had ties to football clubs like Manchester City.
Temperance is a word we use as a kind of convenience, really. It wasn't any one thing. It was lots of different things.
In this episode of Alcohol Alert, the Institute of Alcohol Studies delves into the fascinating history of the temperance movement with insights from James Neal, Associate Professor of Geography at University College London. Neal's research explores the historical and contemporary geographies of drink and temperance, offering a unique perspective on how these movements shaped societal attitudes towards alcohol.
The temperance movement, emerging in the 19th century, was not a monolithic entity but a collection of diverse initiatives aimed at moderating alcohol consumption. Contrary to popular belief, temperance does not imply total abstinence but rather restraint. Neal discusses how temperance movements created alternative public spaces that offered working-class communities venues beyond traditional drinking establishments.
Historically, the temperance movement had significant ties to social movements and even football clubs, such as Manchester City, whose stadium land was owned by a temperance group. These movements provided individuals with social identity and political engagement, influencing key political figures like Philip Snowden, Labour's first Chancellor of the Exchequer, who was a devout teetotaler. The legacy of temperance is evident in the significant decrease in alcohol consumption from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.
This drop was influenced by state interventions such as weaker beer encouragement during World War I and restricted pub licensing hours. Neal highlights that while direct statistical connections are challenging to establish, the societal shift towards alternative activities and expectations played a crucial role. This enduring impact of temperance movements is reflected in modern public health debates, with organizations like the Institute of Alcohol Studies facing criticism from industry groups for their perceived temperance affiliations.
Despite this, the movement's historical significance in shaping societal norms and providing early political platforms for individuals remains clear. As the episode concludes, listeners are reminded of the temperance movement's pervasive influence on British history, shaping both societal attitudes and political landscapes. The conversation prompts reflection on how these historical movements continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about alcohol and public health.