The Sober Alcoholic by Irving Peter Gellman
The Sober Alcoholic
An Organizational Analysis of
Alcoholics Anonymous
by Irving Peter Gellman
This volume is primarily an analysis of the social organization of Alcoholics Anonymous and is the first such scholar-ly, comprehensive review of the associa-tion. Previous accounts of A.A. have focused almost exclusively on certain limited aspects of the organizational structure or processes, with particular emphasis on the therapeutic factors of the system. By and large, these reports have lauded the zeal and dedication of the membership and have generally commended the success of the program.
This analysis encompasses three broad areas of interest. First, it directs our attention to Alcoholics Anonymous as a part of the vast complex of voluntary associations in the United States. In view of the extent of contemporary social or-ganization, and the relative lack of our traditional institutions in coping with large-scale deviancy, there is no doubt that self-help organizations ultimately provide a substantial contribution to the resolution of these difficulties. A.A. offers many valuable insights into the functioning of such associations.
Second, the unconventional character of Alcoholics Anonymous presents us with an opportunity to examine the nature of deviancy and social control in an organization composed exclusively of social deviants. Studies of deviant groups are not new to sociology but A.A. is unique in its definition of deviancy and subsequent imposition of sanctions. In addition, the A.A. system of norms and values differs from that of the larger society within which it operates.
Third, it examines the unique characteristics of A.A. which contribute to its rehabilitative program in restoring problem drinkers to sobriety and enabling them to remain sober. No attempt is made to evaluate the "success" of the program because it is virtually impossible to ascertain such data with any degree of accuracy. Nevertheless A.A. is at the present time the most promising agency for coping with the critical problem of alcoholism. The total system of Alcoholics Anonymous is viewed as a therapeutic device.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
IRVING PETER GELLMAN, assistant professor of sociology at New York University, received his A.B., A.M., and Ph.D. degrees from that school. From 1959 to the fall, 1963, Dr. Gellman taught at Wagner College where in 1962 he was presented the Omicron Delta Kappa Award, as the professor who in the estimation of the students made the greatest contribution to scholarship during the academic year.
Dr. Gellman has been a lecturer in Criminology at Queens College and a Fellow in Criminology at the College of the City of New York. Besides his teaching duties, he is at present a senior research associate of the Staten Mental Health Society, a member of the National Council on Alcoholism, and secretary-elect (to take office April, 1964) of the Eastern Sociological Society.