Communism Continues to Cause Heavy Drinking In Eastern Europe
The longer women had lived under communism the more likely they were to drink alcohol between two to four times a month, and this increased 0.7% for each year spent living under communist regimes, a new study from the London School of Economics finds. Daily drinking was also higher, although on a smaller scale.
However, binge drinking — classed as six drinks or more on a single occasion — for women in former communist nations was low, in line with previous research that found there was little social acceptance for female binge drinking in these nations.
However, there was a clear link between the amount of binge drinking by males in these countries and the amount of time they have lived under communism. Analysis shows that each year lived under communism increased the probability of drinking heavily either monthly or weekly by 0.4%. The effect on drinking daily was smaller, at a 0.1% increase for each year under communism.
The researchers are unable to say specifically what it is about living under communist regimes that has influenced people to drink more but that this could be the basis for future studies.
Commenting on the findings Dr. Gintare Malisauskaite, the lead author, said: ‘Data analysis shows that living under communism has had a long-term impact on alcohol consumption of those affected, resulting in more frequent consumption for both men and women and more likely binge drinking for men. This suggests that the experience of the Soviet regime still has an impact on the people’s behaviour and, if it is transmitted as a cultural norm between generations, this impact could last even beyond the lives of those affected directly.’
Small Business Optimism at Highest Point in History
Continued growth and a strong economy have small business optimism reaching post-recession highs, particularly among male business owners, according to Capital One’s (NYSE: COF) latest Small Business Growth Index, a biannual survey of 500 small business owners (SBOs) gauging sentiment related to the economy, business conditions and plans for growth. The survey found 67 % of business owners overall think business conditions in their area are good or excellent, up from 60 % a year ago.
“We’ve seen small business optimism continue to rise as business owners benefit from a strong economy,” said Jenn Flynn, head of Small Business Bank at Capital One. “At the same time, small business owners still have concerns about taxes, tariffs and other areas of economic policy. As business leaders balance opportunity with risk, we remain committed to offering solutions designed to empower small businesses and fuel growth.”
Following are key themes uncovered by the Fall 2018 Small Business Growth Index:
Business growth and strong economic conditions have driven small business optimism to its highest point in survey history, with men leading optimism for the first time.
- Two-thirds (67%) of SBOs think business conditions in their area are good or excellent, up from 60% one year ago, and the highest measured since 2010.
- While female business owners have historically been more optimistic than males, the survey shows there has been a reversal. Sixty-nine percent of male SBOs say current economic conditions are good or excellent, up from 57% a year ago. Meanwhile, 64% of women believe conditions are good or excellent, compared to 63% one year ago.
- SBOs who feel current business conditions are good or excellent say business growth (65%), national economic conditions (54%) and improved business operations (51%) are driving their optimism.
Most business owners feel the current administration has been positive for small business – but healthcare costs, taxes and trade policy are top concerns.
- When asked if they felt the change in presidential leadership has been positive for small businesses, more than half (59%) of SBOs said yes.
- At the same time, 49 % of SBOs say the cost of healthcare is a top policy concern, followed by tax policies (43%) and economic growth (36 %).
- One-third (33%) of small businesses are concerned that new tariffs will have a negative impact on their business.
More businesses plan to hire, but are challenged by skills gaps and competition from bigger businesses.
- One third (33%) of small business owners plan to hire in the next six months, an increase from 25% one year ago.