In today’s modern society, the widespread culture of excessive drinking is prevalent in many Western countries, including New Zealand. Young women in particular are encouraged to participate in the nightlife scene, revel in drunkenness, and have a good time while still maintaining respectability. However, the emergence of social networking sites, such as Facebook, in conjunction with shifts in postfeminism, neo-liberalism, and the night time economy, has added new dimensions to this complex dynamic.
A recent qualitative study conducted in New Zealand shed light on the drinking practices and Facebook usage among young women. Through focus group discussions involving 36 participants aged 18-25, three key themes emerged: tragic girls and crack whores, drunken femininities, and the intersection of Facebook, alcohol, and drunken femininities.
Key Themes Identified in the Qualitative Study
The first theme, “tragic girls and crack whores,” delved into the pressures young women face when expressing their femininity and engaging in excessive drinking. Society often labels these young women in derogatory terms, further complicating their experiences. As one participant stated, “We are constantly judged for trying to have fun and enjoy ourselves. It’s like we can never win.”
The second theme, “drunken femininities,” explored how young women navigate the expectations surrounding femininity and alcohol consumption. Participants described feeling conflicted between societal expectations to be both sober and drunk at the same time. They spoke of the need to project an image of fun and excitement while fearing judgment and potential harm. One participant shared, “We’re expected to be the life of the party, but if we go too far, we’re suddenly labeled as irresponsible or even dangerous.”
The third theme, “Facebook, alcohol, and drunken femininities,” focused on the role of Facebook in shaping young women’s perceptions of themselves and their experiences with alcohol. Participants described how they carefully curated their online persona, using Photoshop and filters to hide signs of intoxication. They acknowledged the pressure to present an idealized version of themselves that aligned with societal expectations of femininity and responsibility. As one participant revealed, “I never post pictures where I look intoxicated. It’s like we have to prove that we’re having fun without going overboard.”
Experiences of Tensions in Expressing Drunken Femininities
The study highlighted the tensions young women face in expressing their drunken femininities both in public and online. Society’s expectations of “good” femininity, which often include being in control and responsible, clash with the liberation and thrill associated with alcohol consumption. Young women find themselves caught between a desire for autonomy and the fear of being stigmatized or deemed inappropriate. This internal struggle often leads to a carefully curated presentation of oneself, both offline and online.
The Airbrushing of Facebook Photos to Minimize the Appearance of Intoxication
One intriguing finding of the study was the prevalence of airbrushing and filtering techniques to minimize the visible signs of intoxication in Facebook photos. Young women recognized the potential judgment and professional consequences associated with being perceived as overly intoxicated. By digitally enhancing their appearance, they sought to maintain control over their online self-presentation and protect themselves from potential social harm. This finding sheds light on the extent to which social media platforms shape and influence the way individuals construct their identities and navigate societal expectations.
The Rise of Facebook and Its Intersection with Postfeminism, Neo-liberalism, and the Night Time Economy
Facebook and other social networking sites have emerged during a period marked by shifts in postfeminism, neo-liberalism, and the development of the night time economy. Postfeminism, characterized by the notion that gender equality has been achieved, places pressure on young women to embrace their sexuality and engage in traditionally masculine activities, such as excessive drinking. Neo-liberalism emphasizes individual responsibility and self-presentation, encouraging young women to carefully manage their public image. Simultaneously, the night time economy provides a social and economic context that encourages alcohol consumption and partying.
This convergence of factors puts young women in a challenging position as they navigate the intersections of gender, feminism, societal expectations, and the influence of social media platforms like Facebook. The study underscores the complexities and contradictions young women face when attempting to reconcile these various influences.
The research article “Tragic girls and crack whores: Alcohol, femininity, and Facebook” provides a thought-provoking examination of how young women experience and negotiate their identities within the context of alcohol, femininity, and social networking sites. It highlights the intricate relationship among societal norms, personal expression, and the role of technology in shaping contemporary experiences.
For full access to the original article, please follow this link: Tragic girls and crack whores: Alcohol, femininity and Facebook.
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