What's happened
Recent Norwegian research suggests that heavy binge drinking in youth correlates with higher education and income later in life. The study, spanning 18 years and over 3,000 individuals, indicates alcohol may serve as a social marker that facilitates career advancement, though health risks remain a concern.
What's behind the headline?
The findings challenge conventional views on alcohol consumption, suggesting that in specific social contexts, heavy drinking may correlate with increased success. This raises questions about the social functions of alcohol and its role in networking and social bonding. However, the correlation does not imply causation; individuals predisposed to higher achievement might also be more inclined to engage in social drinking. The study's focus on Norway, where alcohol is expensive and heavily taxed, indicates that social drinking's benefits might be linked to cultural and economic factors. Importantly, health officials warn that alcohol consumption, regardless of social benefits, carries health risks, and the trend of increasing alcohol use among Generation Z could undermine public health efforts. The story underscores the complex relationship between social behavior, success, and health, and suggests that social drinking's perceived benefits should be weighed against its health costs.
What the papers say
The article from the New York Post by Ben Cost reports on Norwegian sociologist Willy Pedersen's research, which monitored over 3,000 Norwegians from age 13 to 31, finding a correlation between heavy drinking in youth and later success. The Independent summarizes the same research, emphasizing that alcohol acts as a social marker that may benefit career advancement. Both sources highlight that the findings do not suggest drinking alone or alcoholism leads to success, and health officials warn against the health risks of alcohol. The NY Post also references the Danish film 'Another Round,' which explores similar themes, and mentions that heavy drinking is associated with social success, but cautions that the correlation may be influenced by pre-existing social advantages. The articles collectively present a nuanced view: social drinking may facilitate success, but health risks and cultural factors complicate the narrative.
How we got here
The study was conducted in Norway, monitoring over 3,000 individuals aged 13 to 31 from 2007 to 2025. It found that those who engaged in heavy drinking during late teens and early twenties tended to achieve higher levels of education and income. The research highlights alcohol's role as a social lubricant and marker of sociality, which may contribute to career success. Norwegian health officials caution against interpreting these findings as a health endorsement, emphasizing that even small amounts of alcohol can negatively impact health.
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