This article investigates why alcohol restrictions persist in certain U.S. counties despite the end of national Prohibition.
Key Question:
Why do some areas remain "dry" decades later?
Data & Methods:
- Analyzed data from over 3,000 American counties
- Focused on early-to-mid 20th century prohibition patterns and their modern persistence
- Measured county-level restrictions using contemporary datasets
Key Findings:
- Dominant Factor: Evangelical Protestant religious composition strongly predicted ongoing prohibition.
- Contrasting Influence: Conversely, a high concentration of Roman Catholics was associated with reduced likelihood of current restrictions.
- Regional Pattern: Prohibition persistence is concentrated in the Southern United States.
Why It Matters?
This research demonstrates that religion remains a powerful force shaping contemporary alcohol policies at the local level. The findings highlight how regional political dynamics, rooted in specific religious demographics decades ago, continue to influence policy decisions today.
