People who consume alcohol earn significantly more at
their jobs than non-drinkers, according to a US study
that highlighted "social capital" gained from drinking.
The study published in the Journal of Labor Research
Thursday concluded that drinkers earn 10 to 14 percent
more than teetotalers,
and that men who drink socially bring home an additional
seven percent in pay.
"Social drinking builds social capital," said Edward
Stringham, an economics professor at San Jose State
University and co-author of the study with fellow
researcher Bethany Peters.
"Social drinkers are out networking, building
relationships, and adding
contacts to their
BlackBerries that
result in bigger paychecks."
The authors acknowledged their study, funded by the
Reason Foundation, contradicted research released in
2000 by the Harvard School of Public Health.
"We created our hypothesis through casual observation
and examination of scholarly accounts," the authors
said.
"Drinkers typically tend to be more social than
abstainers."
The researchers said their empirical survey backed up
the theory, and said the most likely explanation is that
drinkers have a wider range of social contacts that help
provide better job and business opportunities.
"Drinkers may be able to socialize more with clients
and co-workers, giving drinkers an advantage in
important relationships," the researchers said.
"Drinking may also provide individuals with
opportunities to learn people, business, and social
skills."
They also said these conclusions provide arguments
against policies aimed at curbing alcohol use on
university campuses and public venues.
"Not only do anti-alcohol policies reduce drinkers'
fun, but they may also decrease earnings," the study
said.
(Agencies)
