Group Processes among Skid Row Winos. A Reevaluation of the Undersocialization Hypothesis

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Abstract
A participant observation study of drinking habits of the most addicted of drinkers in the Skid Row areas of California cities reveals that group drinking behaviors are highly ritualized and patterned. These patterns are interpreted in terms of socio-group and psyche-group processes. Results reveal that the needs of the men go beyond the cooperation necessary for purchase of alcohol, and that winos manifest consistent efforts to structure situations to involve interpersonal contact with its feelings of belonging, prestige, and security. These findings cast serious doubt on the validity of personality theories which characterize Skid Row excessive drinkers as "undersocialized" and unable to share in interpersonal experiences. The shortcoming of these theories rests upon a consideration of undersocialization as a whole unit of personality; individuals are conceptualized as varying along an uni -dimensional scale of socialization. Data presented suggest that the concept of socialization refer to a multi-dimensional process of conditioning in a variety of roles, each demanding various types of interpersonal skills. Hence an individual may be considered socialized to the extent that, and in the activities which, he has learned to participate with others in meaningful contexts. In addition to experiencing varying degrees the depths of conditioning, personalities may also experience "desocialization," the loss of ability to perform roles.

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