IRISH DESCENT, RELIGION, AND ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO USE

The West of Scotland has traditionally been a focus for Irish migratio n. Using data from two studies carried out in this region, one quantit ative, the other qualitative, this paper shows little difference in dr inking and smoking between Scots of Irish descent and other Scots. It does, however, show significant differences in these behaviours accord ing to religious affiliation in adulthood. Rather than confirming the stereotype of Irish Catholics as heavy drinkers and smokers the presen t paper puts forward the hypothesis that drinkers and smokers are diff erentially retained in membership by different religious affiliations, and argues that this accounts for differences in reputation and in he alth-related behaviours.