Abstract
Alcohol use is both functional and dysfunctional for the individual and society. According to Merton1 functions are observed consequences making for adaptation or adjustment of a given system and dysfunctions are observed consequences which lessen the adaptation or adjustment. The circumstance that alcohol may be both functional and dysfunctional creates a dilemma in developing social policy on alcohol problems.2 Alcohol is important in the American economy, creating profits, employment, and tax revenue.
Reprinted, with permission, from The Journal of School Health, 44 (8) (1974), 423.
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References
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© 1979 Macmillan Publishers Limited
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Babow, I. (1979). Functions and Dysfunctions of Alcohol. In: Robinson, D. (eds) Alcohol Problems. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-16190-4_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-16190-4_6
Publisher Name: Palgrave, London
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