From Hunting to Drinking

"From Hunting to Drinking reveals the devastating effects that alcohol has had over a period of 30 years on Mornington Island, off the North Queensland Coast, Australia. Drinking has become the main social activity on the island and the amount of alcohol consumed has reached a disturbing level. Suicide and homicide rates are alarmingly high and alcohol related illness is rife.David McKnight assesses this situation and explores how it now affects all reaches of community life - local politics, marriage, child-rearing practices, gender relationships, employment, law, housing and education.In an attempt to explain why the Mornington Islanders drink so much he reviews the history of drinking in Australia as well as its causes. He also asks why the situation has been allowed to continue, exploring the vested interest that the authorities have in the sale of alcohol on the island.Based on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, this is a vital addition to the literature on alcohol use and problem drinking, social change and postcolonialism." -- BOOK JACKET.