Recent developments in alcoholism:anthropology

During the past few decades, the volume of literature on anthropological studies of alcohol has doubled every five years. New topics are being investigated, and a variety of new methods, including quantitative analysis, have been integrated with the proven qualitative approaches. This chapter reviews work since 1980, illustrating both continuity and change, as well as describing relevant developments in terms of practical applications of the findings. Special emphasis is given to recognition and interpretation of cross-cultural variation, qualitative data and emphasis on context, and critical discussion of concepts, models, and theories, as many more, better trained, investigators address new as well as old topics and relate their studies to issues of policy and action.