Event Title

Social Responses to Alcohol Flush Reaction

Location

Science Center, A154

Document Type

Presentation

Start Date

4-26-2013 2:45 PM

End Date

4-26-2013 3:45 PM

Abstract

Although much literature exists on the biological processes related to alcohol flush reaction, little research has investigated the social responses to “flushing.” Flush reaction, while rare amongst whites, blacks and Latinos, heavily affects Asians. Within biology, alcohol flush reaction is commonly referred to as a “genetic defect” or “genetic mutation.” We analyzed interviews and focus groups from Oberlin College students (Asian Americans, non-Asian Americans, flushers and non-flushers). After examining the emotions felt by flushers and the perceptions of flushers, we argue against the classification of alcohol flush reaction as a “genetic defect.”

Notes

Session II, Panel 6: Written on the Body: Inscriptions of Gender, Racialization, and Student Activism
Moderator: Greggor Mattson, Assistant Professor of Sociology

Major

Sociology

Advisor(s)

John Pearson, Art
Rick Baldoz, Sociology
Greggor Mattson, Sociology

Project Mentor(s)

Greggor Mattson, Sociology

April 2013

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COinS
 
Apr 26th, 2:45 PM Apr 26th, 3:45 PM

Social Responses to Alcohol Flush Reaction

Science Center, A154

Although much literature exists on the biological processes related to alcohol flush reaction, little research has investigated the social responses to “flushing.” Flush reaction, while rare amongst whites, blacks and Latinos, heavily affects Asians. Within biology, alcohol flush reaction is commonly referred to as a “genetic defect” or “genetic mutation.” We analyzed interviews and focus groups from Oberlin College students (Asian Americans, non-Asian Americans, flushers and non-flushers). After examining the emotions felt by flushers and the perceptions of flushers, we argue against the classification of alcohol flush reaction as a “genetic defect.”