Gender differences in drinking and alcohol expectancies as modified by gender stereotypes and living arrangements

Examined the drinking behavior, gender stereotypes, and alcohol expectancies of 179 undergraduate males (mean age 21.77 yrs) and females (mean age 20.38 yrs) in relation to 3 living arrangements: (1) living at home with parents, (2) living on-campus, and (3) living independently. No sex differences in drinking were found for students living in residential environments where gender stereotypes were perceived to be more equal, that is, living on-campus and living at home. However, women living independently were found to be drinking less than the men, but this was the more gendered environment as reflected in the way students described themselves. Alcohol expectancies were also found to differ according to the students' living arrangements. The study highlights the importance of taking into account gender stereotypes and living arrangements as influences on drinking behavior and sex differences within the student population.