Exploring locality and college binge drinking: a Polish and Canadian perspective

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the relation between locality and college students' binge drinking. The aim is to deepen understanding of the influence of three kinds of localities, such as: family home, residential halls and public venue on students' binge drinking.

Design/methodology/approach – The research method employed was four focus groups interview conducted with 25 college students in Poland and Canada where the incidence of binge drinking is high. Focus group data were transcribed, the Polish sample was translated into English, and all data were then analyzed.

Findings – Various localities distinguished in this paper seem to have different influences on students' binge drinking. Notably, students living in college residential halls binged on more occasions than their counterparts.

Research limitations/implications – The qualitative character of research presented in this paper means the results cannot be uncritically generalized. Exploration of the influence of locality on students' binge drinking requires further investigation.

Originality/value – The influence of locality on binge drinking had not previously been explored in isolation. Consideration of these factors in isolation using a qualitative lens identified that locations involving homogeneous inhabitants, e.g. college residential halls and socialist housing blocks with large numbers of young people who are co-located can be associated with higher levels of binge drinking. Such homogenous locations are characterized by individuals who are all in a similar stage of life, with common interests and aspirations. Other locations such as the family home involve heterogeneous influences and these result in lower levels of binge drinking.