'Because it's fun': English and American girls' counter-hegemonic stories of alcohol and marijuana use. (26th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arnull, Elaine; Ryder, Judith
• Is Part Of: Journal of youth studies. Volume 22:Number 10(2019)
• Page Start: 1361
• Page End: 1377
• Publication Date: 2019-11-26
• Subjects: Girls -- AOD use -- Boundaries -- Pleasure -- Harm minimization -- Justice-involved girls; Youth -- Periodicals; Youth -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 305.235
• DOI: 10.1080/13676261.2019.1579898
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-6261

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Girls' alcohol and other drug (AOD) use are depicted culturally as problematic. In this comparative, qualitative, study the voices of 59 English and American justice-involved girls give a counter-hegemonic portrayal of their alcohol and marijuana use. In their stories, we see how their AOD use is pleasurable and boundaried. AOD use involves negotiated risk within the situated context of shared experience and friendship networks that heighten and promote pleasure and fun. The findings offer the opportunity to address the 'credibility gap' in international health promotion policy. Our aim is to promote the adoption of policy approaches that recognize the complexity of girls' lives and draw on strategies they have devised.