The latter group was known for its strict adherence to the Prohibition, while the former group was known for their adherence to the law, although their protest and opposition was limited only to alcohol consumption in the saloons and public places, and not in the privacy of people's homes (95).
In effect, the Prohibition gave women the "voice" to express their position and opinion about the Prohibition. They were given greater power by the Dry movement and the opportunity to protect themselves openly from oppressive male members of their family and community. However, a corresponding change among women was also the eventual acceptance of drinking women, who have equaled men in terms of alcohol consumption since alcoholism among males drastically decreased during the Prohibition, as alcohol prices went up. Thus, what was once a "man's domain" had been invaded by women, 'reducing' males' dominion over alcohol drinking.
The increase in alcohol prices during the Prohibition had been the catalyst that reflected the significant socio-economic discrepancies among Americans during this period. Prior to the Prohibition, alcohol can be both a form of socialization and also as a vice. The middle class were able to afford the cheap alcohol prices, thus leading to the proliferation of saloons, alcoholism, and social problems resulting from alcoholism (89).
The wealthy class is the only class who was able to afford illegally distributed alcohol, at the risk of paying high prices for a sufficient supply. In addition to expensive alcohol prices, the wealthy were...
These differences in the lifestyles and coping mechanisms between the high- and middle-class Americans highlights the existence of social inequality in times of socio-economic status in life during the Prohibition.
The last point demonstrated in Murdock's book was the evident presence of religious groups, particularly Christian groups, who staunchly opposed alcohol and alcoholism in society. The enforcement of the Prohibition gave these groups the chance to act vigilantly and in accordance to the rule of law. Most of these Christian groups are members of the radical Drys, "who escorted Prohibition through Congress and hoped that it would lead to national abstinence" (160).
However, radical Drys were staunch supporters of Prohibition to a fault: their opposition only drove people, particularly rebellious and deviant males, to pursue alcohol and alcoholism despite the high alcohol prices and elusiveness of alcohol supply. In a way, the radical Drys contributed to the proliferation of domesticated drinking, or the increased drinking and alcohol-making at home, and induced the flourishing of the illegal alcohol trade and selling.
In sum, Murdock's book provided a glimpse of the social dynamics and interactions among various sectors and groups in American society during the Prohibition period.
Bibliography
Murdock, C. (1998). Domesticating Drink: Women, Men, and Alcohol in America, 1870-1940. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins UP.
