Drawing on original research and extensive interviews with a diverse group of women, author Susan Stewart reveals women's complex relationships with alcohol and factors associated with its increasing use. This unvarnished examination of women and drinking challenges readers to think through the implications to individuals, families, and society.
Susan D. Stewart is professor of sociology at Iowa State University. She is author or co-author of several books including Co-Sleeping: Parents, Children, and Musical Beds, Marriages, Families, and Relationships, Brave New Stepfamilies, and Multicultural Stepfamilies. Her research focuses on gender, family diversity, parenting, and children and adults' physical, social, and emotional health. She has published articles on a range of topics in leading peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Marriage and Families, Journal of Family Issues, Demography, and Journal of Gynecology and Women's Health. Dr. Stewart resides in Ames, Iowa with her husband, daughter, and three cats.
Women might want to think before they drink, observes Stewart, a professor of sociology, as she presents a compelling case for abstaining in this heavily footnoted book.... Important and informative.
Following data that show that women are drinking more since 2000--encompassing general alcohol usage, high-risk drinking, binge drinking, and alcohol use disorder--Stewart provides a qualitative study that asks "What about women's lives has changed such that they drink more alcohol?".... It is intriguing to read about how women in her study interpret drinking in the 21st century, making this a valuable piece in a larger story about the intersections of alcohol use/non-use and family, marketing, mothering, mental wellness, and social media. Some of the topics covered include growing support for women's drinking, alcohol's impact (positive and negative) on women's reputation in social and kinship groups and relationships with family and friends, and common misinformation about what qualifies as dangerous drinking. Recommended. All levels.