The Unexpected Correlation Between Youth Drinking and Future Success
In a surprising twist on conventional wisdom, recent research suggests that social drinking during one’s youth might not be the career-killing habit many assume it to be. According to Norwegian sociologist Willy Pedersen of the University of Oslo, communal alcohol consumption may actually contribute to future success rather than hinder it. In his new book “The Beauty and Pain of Drugs,” Pedersen challenges the negative stereotypes around youthful drinking, presenting evidence that those who engage in social drinking during their formative years may develop valuable connections and social skills that benefit them professionally later in life. This counterintuitive finding mirrors themes explored in the 2020 Danish film “Another Round,” which playfully examines the potential benefits of maintaining a consistent blood-alcohol level—though Pedersen’s research takes a more scientific approach to understanding the relationship between early drinking habits and later life outcomes.
To substantiate his theory, Pedersen and his team conducted an extensive 18-year study tracking the drinking behaviors of over 3,000 Norwegians from adolescence through early adulthood. The results were striking: individuals who engaged in more substantial social drinking in their late teens and early twenties generally achieved higher levels of education and income compared to those who abstained or drank minimally. “The statistical findings are quite strong, so clearly significant,” Pedersen notes about this correlation. He suggests that alcohol often functions as a “marker of sociality” that brings certain advantages. As social creatures, humans benefit from connections, and alcohol has historically served as a social lubricant that helps people overcome inhibitions and forge bonds. These connections, established during formative years, apparently translate into tangible professional benefits as people progress through their careers.
To illustrate his point, Pedersen references Oxford University’s infamous Bullingdon Club, an exclusive all-male drinking society known for its high-profile alumni, including former UK Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron. This example highlights how drinking cultures can overlap with networks of privilege and power, creating environments where social connections and future opportunities flourish alongside alcohol consumption. The professor suggests that participating in drinking cultures may help individuals develop social capital that proves valuable in professional contexts. When people drink together, they often share experiences, build trust, develop social skills, and establish networks—all of which can translate into professional advantages and opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible. These benefits appear to outweigh the potential downsides, at least in terms of career trajectory and financial success.
However, context matters significantly when considering the relationship between drinking and success. Pedersen’s research reveals an important distinction: while social drinking correlates with future achievement, solitary drinking does not show the same positive association. Additionally, the Times of London points out that this correlation might be influenced by socioeconomic factors rather than alcohol consumption itself. Young people who are already positioned for success due to family background, educational opportunities, or social class may simply have more resources to participate in drinking cultures, particularly in Norway where alcohol is heavily taxed and therefore expensive. This raises important questions about whether drinking actually causes success or whether both are simply common among people with certain advantages and opportunities.
Health experts maintain their cautionary stance despite the intriguing findings about social success. Linda Granlund, the director of public health at the Norwegian government’s health directorate, emphasizes that alcohol consumption—regardless of whether it’s social or solitary, heavy or light—can negatively impact physical health. “Lower intake means higher life expectancy and lower risk of illness,” she asserts, recommending moderation for everyone. “Every glass you choose to skip is good for your health.” This reminds us that career success represents just one dimension of life, and the potential social and professional benefits of drinking must be weighed against well-documented health risks. The research doesn’t suggest that drinking is necessary for success, merely that it correlates with certain social advantages that can translate to professional benefits.
Interestingly, current trends suggest that alcohol consumption may be increasing among younger generations. While Generation Z has often been characterized as more abstinent than their predecessors, recent studies indicate their drinking habits are evolving, particularly as cost of living pressures ease in some areas. This shift may reflect changing social norms or economic circumstances rather than a conscious pursuit of networking opportunities. Ultimately, Pedersen’s research offers a nuanced perspective on alcohol’s role in society—acknowledging both its potential social benefits and its well-documented risks. Rather than providing a license to drink excessively, these findings invite us to reconsider simplistic narratives about alcohol and success, recognizing the complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors that shape both our drinking habits and our life trajectories.
