The Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Excess Male Mortality in Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Sweden

Abstract

The article discusses the importance of alcohol consumption for gender differences in mortality in 19th and early 20th century Sweden. Administrative measures, socio-economic and cultural factors affecting drinking habits will be tentatively discussed. The analyses corroborate the hypothesis of an alcohol boom during early 19th century. The cultural acceptance of drinking has been much more restricted for women than men. Periods of social transitions appear to have contributed to a climate stimulating excessive drinking, particularly among men. The study supports the idea that fluctuations in alcohol consumption had a considerable impact on excess male mortality among adults in mortality in nineteenth and early twentieth century Sweden. The results of the analyses further suggest that administrative measures affecting availability of alcohol have been effective in regulating consumption levels and consequently have affected excess male mortality.