Alcohol Use and Archaeological Practice

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Transformations in Professional Archaeology" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The role of alcohol in the practice and culture of American archaeology has rarely been critically investigated. Although most practicing archaeologists agree a link between alcohol use and archaeology exists, the nature of that dynamic is often left unexamined. There is little doubt that the consumption of alcohol serves some function or plays some part in the profession, but few systematic studies have been published exploring the attitudes, opinions, and feelings on the use of alcohol in archaeology. This paper seeks to explore current views regarding the consumption of alcohol in the culture of archaeology and how alcohol affects the agency and identity of archaeologists. This pilot study builds upon a critical review of available literature with results of recent data derived from web-based surveys undertaken by practicing archaeologists and archaeology students (n = 208) in conference settings. These data are then used to provide possible context and implications to the complex correlation between alcohol use and archaeology/archaeologists in a profession rapidly undergoing seismic shifts in the way issues of inclusion, substance use, and appropriate conduct are viewed and prioritized in today’s workplaces, campuses, and communities.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)   •
• Transformations in Professional Archaeology

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 41614.0