This book has focused on three approaches to alcohol use, that is moderation, improper use and total abstinence. In the late 1800s and early1900s there was a struggle between the principle of moderation and the principle of total abstinence from alcohol.

Moderation was the Public demonstrations on Temperance Day in 1957: members of the lodge and the free church society in Valla walked together with the national and IOGT flag to the chapel of the free church society. Photo privately owned. dominant view while total abstinence was advocated by free church revival movements and temperance movements. Improper use consistently had a low reputation. It has been essential to pay attention to norms and practical life. My studies are especially concentrated to the Swedish northwest coast. It has also been appropriate to pay attention to how authorities such as medical doctors and priests perceived alcohol, and what kind of influence they had among the ordinary people.