Could Booze Be the Secret Sauce Behind Human Societies Becoming Complex?

Have you ever wondered how our love for a drink might have influenced the development of human societies? It may sound surprising, but researchers are exploring the idea that our fondness for alcohol played a significant role in the rise of complex civilizations. Let's take a closer look at this intriguing concept.

The Rise of Societies

Over the past several thousand years, human societies have evolved from small groups of hunter-gatherers into massive civilizations with intricate political systems. But what sparked this transformation? Some researchers suggest that alcohol holds the answer.

Alcohol has been part of human culture for thousands of years. It appears to help people connect, cooperate, and even think more creatively. Picture a group of friends sharing a few drinks, laughing, and forging meaningful connections. This relaxed atmosphere can set the stage for teamwork and collaboration.

Booze and Social Bonds

Alcohol often serves as a social lubricant, breaking down barriers between people. It helps individuals relax, fostering an environment where friendships and alliances can grow. Across many cultures, drinking and feasting go together. These communal gatherings not only strengthen relationships but also create a sense of belonging.

Political Power and Alcohol

Alcohol's influence extends to politics as well. Leaders have historically utilized drinking gatherings to establish alliances, mobilize support, and affirm their authority. Events where everyone shares food and drink can strengthen bonds, making it easier to gain loyalty and support.

For example, in the Medieval period, feasts were used by kings to solidify power. By hosting grand banquets, they could reward loyal supporters and gain favor from influential figures. However, while this concept is appealing, solid scientific evidence has been limited—until recent studies began to shed light on it.

Testing the Hypothesis

In a recent study involving non-industrial societies, researchers delved into the relationship between indigenous alcoholic beverages and political complexity. They developed a dataset focused on intoxicants and employed causal inference methods to draw connections.

What did they discover? A positive correlation emerged: societies with indigenous alcoholic beverages tended to display higher levels of political complexity. This complexity was measured by the number of administrative levels within each society. Even after accounting for other factors like ancestry and environmental conditions, the effect persisted, although it was modest.

The Bigger Picture

So, what implications arise from these findings? The research suggests that the social benefits of traditional, non-distilled alcoholic drinks might outweigh potential drawbacks. Alcohol likely contributed to societal evolution and cooperation.

That said, while alcohol played a role in social dynamics, other significant factors likely spurred societal development. Agriculture and religion, for instance, have been crucial contributors.

The Role of Agriculture and Religion

Agriculture marked a turning point, allowing people to settle and form communities. It provided a stable food source, essential for society's stability. Similarly, religion often unites individuals under shared beliefs and practices, fostering a sense of purpose and identity.

While alcohol may have added flavor to the mix, it wasn't the only ingredient in building complex societies. Research indicates that around 10,000 years ago, the advent of agriculture drastically changed human life, allowing for population growth and the establishment of cities.

Final Thoughts

The idea that alcohol may be a secret ingredient in the story of human societies is both fascinating and enlightening. It illustrates how simple acts, such as sharing a drink, can encourage connections and cooperation. However, alcohol is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

So, the next time you enjoy a drink with friends, think about the rich history behind it. You could be partaking in a tradition that stretches back thousands of years, contributing to the development of the world we inhabit today.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-025-05503-6

Hrnčíř, V., Chira, A.M. & Gray, R.D. Did alcohol facilitate the evolution of complex societies?. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 12, 1091 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05503-6