OBJECTIVE: This study applies Gilligan's relational theory to an exploration of the influence of the social climate at work on workplace drinking in a male-dominated occupation. METHODS: Data used in this analysis were originally collected from a random sample of employees at a heavy machinery assembly plant (N = 984, women = 121). Because reciprocal relationships between workplace drinking and social climate were hypothesized, the parameters were estimated using simultaneous equation modeling. RESULTS: Women who reported a negative social climate at work also had a greater propensity to drink at work. There was no similar relationships between social climate and workplace drinking for men. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace drinking prevention programs in male-dominated occupations may need to address the social climate at work, particularly for women.
OBJECTIVE: This study applies Gilligan's relational theory to an exploration of the influence of the social climate at work on workplace drinking in a male-dominated occupation. METHODS: Data used in this analysis were originally collected from a random sample of employees at a heavy machinery assembly plant (N = 984, women = 121). Because reciprocal relationships between workplace drinking and social climate were hypothesized, the parameters were estimated using simultaneous equation modeling. RESULTS:Women who reported a negative social climate at work also had a greater propensity to drink at work. There was no similar relationships between social climate and workplace drinking for men. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace drinking prevention programs in male-dominated occupations may need to address the social climate at work, particularly for women.