MayaCassar.Blogs

Image of clubbing via (Freepik n.d)

As a 20-year-old female student immersed in the academic life of the University of Wollongong, my journey is not just limited to the scholarly aspects of university but also the social and cultural experience. Among these experiences, the culture of clubbing stands out as a significant aspect of youth social life, especially in a lively city like Wollongong. My personal relationship with drinking and clubbing, much like many others in my age group, is nuanced, shaped by a variety of factors including upbringing, personal preferences, and economic considerations.

Growing up in a household that didn’t impose strict views on alcohol, I’ve always had a relatively positive outlook towards drinking. It’s an outlook that isn’t influenced by religious beliefs or stringent family rules, allowing me a degree of freedom to explore my social life as a young adult. However, over recent years my enthusiasm for clubbing has gradually declined due to the unpleasant exchanges with men, the financial burden of purchasing drinks and the aftermath of excessive drinking. These factors have pushed my preferences towards more subdue social activities that don’t necessarily revolve around alcohol. 

Despite my personal shifts, clubbing still remains a popular activity for many young adults in Wollongong. Ultimately, this has shaped my interest in this research topic. For my BCM212 course, I aim to delve into the perceptions and participation of my peers in the clubbing culture that is prevalent in our area. My goal with this research is to incorporate personal stories and experiences from a diverse range of students to provide a more nuanced and personal perspective on clubbing culture and ultimately add depth and relatability to my research that quantitative data alone cannot provide. These stories will illuminate the diverse motivations, challenges, joys, and concerns that students navigate within the nightlife scene.

Research shows that among young Australians, alcohol consumption has declined markedly since the early 2000s (Mojica‐Perez, Callinan and Livingston, 2020). However, as yet there is little to no data on the factors that contribute to this data. Therefore the essence of my research lies in understanding whether my experiences and evolving preferences are mirrored in the attitudes of other young adults or if the allure of clubbing continues to have a strong hold over my peers. 

This topic was not chosen at random. It is both timely and relevant as the primary audience for clubbing culture is those aged 18-25 years old. Furthermore, this research is designed to be respectful and inclusive, focusing solely on individuals over the age of 18 to ensure that the discussions are appropriate and do not inadvertently lead to any form of incrimination or discomfort. This research is crucial for developing more inclusive and relevant social policies and support systems for youth navigating their social lives in contemporary Australian society.

By exploring the dynamics of clubbing culture in Wollongong through the lens of university students, I aim to answer questions about the continuity of clubbing as a popular activity, the factors that may influence its appeal, and how individuals navigate their social lives amidst these influences. 

This exploration is not just an academic endeavour but a personal journey into understanding the complex tapestry of youth culture and social preferences in a modern Australian context.

References: 

Freepik n.d., Premium Photo Crowd in nightclub,Engelen schilderijen, Fotografie, Fotografie inspiratie, Pinterest, online, Viewed 16 March 2024,

<https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/635500197433108622/>

Growthwithgabriela, n.d., Study motivation Aesthetic University students life, online, Pinterest, Viewed 16 March 2024, 

<https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/281543723287565/ >

Makki, A., n.d., Frndz goalz, Alcohol aesthetic, Coffee dates aesthetic, Fake photo, Pinterest, online, Viewed 16 March 2024,

 <https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/44121271344001936/>

Mojica‐Perez, Y., Callinan, S. and Livingston, M. (2020). Examining beverage‐specific trends in youth drinking in Australia before and after the implementation of the alcopops tax. Drug and Alcohol Review, 39(3), pp.246–254, online, Viewed 16 March 2024,

<https://doi-org.ezproxy.uow.edu.au/10.1111/dar.13038>