The spatial context of alcohol consumption among students in a rural South African college

Keywords: South Africa, alcohol consumption, higher education
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 11:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 12:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 16

Abstract

Higher education environments are essential for preparing students academically and socially for entrance into the world of work and adulthood. However, colleges appear to be geared more towards preparing students academically than helping them adjust socially. This suggests that the social aspect of the students may be neglected, yet it exists and forms a considerable impact on student life. Alcohol use amongst students in colleges has been associated with social and academic problems, for instance, high dropout rates and high-risk sexual behavior. Despite these associations, students still choose to consume alcohol and make alcohol consumption experiences and meanings a more significant part of college social life. The purpose of the study was to assess the geography of alcohol use in the rural eastern Free Province of South Africa, with a particular focus on college students in rural Phuthaditjhaba. An explanatory sequential mixed method design was adopted by collecting quantitative data first and then explaining the quantitative results with in-depth qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews. Actor-network theory allowed for understanding how students who consume alcohol create and experience their worlds through processes such as placemaking, inhabiting social spaces, and creating unique identities of third places. Findings suggest that students in rural settings find alcohol outlets to be the most available places for recreation, as well as meaningful third places for them because they do not feel the pressure to be good students or responsible family members in those settings