Social Consumption of Alcohol As Leisure Activity and It’S Role in Social Networking of Lesser Indians

SOCIAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL AS LEISURE ACTIVITY

AND IT’S ROLE IN SOCIAL NETWORKING OF LESSER INDIANS

Bhup Singh, Associate Professor, Sociology, D.G.C. Gurgaon, Haryana

Leisure time in leisure activity is generally characterized by liberation from constraints associated with job, domestic work and social obligations. Due to emergence of affluent middle class among lesser Indians who are beneficiaries of welfare policies of successive governments, social consumption of alcohol has increased since last decade among lesser Indians. Like other social bonding activities, social consumption of alcohol is leisure activity which helps networking, mentalising and socialisation lesser Indians with social issues and literature related to them to counter the onslaught of hegemonic forces and reconstruct their world view about themselves and society.

This study was planned to find social consumption of alcohol as a leisure activity and how this promotes social bonding, networking, and assertion among lesser Indians. 100 core members of various organizations of lesser Indian working in Rohtak were selected on the basis of their continuation for at least one year in such leisure activities. The data was collected through interview schedule and participatory observation on leisure time, consumption pattern, initiation, frequency, brand, reciprocal expenditure and interaction pattern during this period.

After data analysis it can be said that social consumption of alcohol as leisure activity has positive impact as other social bonding activity. Members of these groups feel more engaged, trusted and relaxed. No health problems were reported among these members. R.C., Black Dog, Teacher’s Choice etc. are most favourable brands. Curiosity and peer group pressure was reason for initiation. Subaltern thinkers i.e. Lord Buddha, Guru Ravi Das, Saint Kabir, Jyotiba Phule, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Manyawar Kanshi Ram etc. are part of discussion.

Key words : Leisure, Social Networking, Assertion, Lesser Indian, Social Bonding