Elixir of the South Pacific or Harmful Muddy Water: Examining the consumption of Kava from a cross cultural perspective and the lived experience of macro-level social processes

This thesis delves into the cross-cultural realm of Kava consumption, unravelling its intricacies through the lived experience of Kava consumers influenced by macro-level social processes. Kava, a traditional South Pacific beverage is derived from the roots of the Piper Methysticum plant, is emblematic of cultural identity and communal traditions across Vanuatu and other south pacific countries. The thesis journey embarks on an exploration of how Kava consumption is influenced and shaped by the interplay of cultural norms, economic forces, and external drug policies, thus delving into its cross-cultural manifestations. The primary objective of this research is to understand how macro-level social processes influence the utilization of Kava across diverse locations, with a focus on the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and Vanuatu. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating semistructured interviews and ethnographic methods. Data collection spanned multiple locations, including the UK, US, and Vanuatu. The study's methodology centred on qualitative analysis, allowing for an in-depth exploration of participants' experiences and perceptions. The research elucidates significant variations in Kava consumption across case study locations. In the UK and US, Kava is procured primarily through online channels and is often motivated by health concerns, as conventional medicine has failed to deliver desired outcomes. However, in Vanuatu, Kava consumption occurs within the social context of community gatherings, deeply rooted in cultural practices and social interaction. Macro-level social processes exert a distinct influence in the UK and US, where drug policy and cultural conservatism are perceived as 'othering' Kava and its users. This galvanizes a stance in favour of Kava consumption as a form of alternative medicine. In contrast, Vanuatu's cultural embeddedness diminishes the relevance of external drug policies, emphasizing cultural protectionism and a rejection of Western alcohol in favour of Kava. This thesis bears broader implications in the realms of cultural preservation, international relations, public health, social justice, labour practices, and community empowerment. It highlights the need for culturally sensitive drug policies and the ethical consumption of traditional substances. It underscores the importance of respecting cultural diversity and fostering global cooperation in addressing cultural conflicts and drug regulations. Furthermore, the thesis provides a framework for understanding how the use of other substances intersects with the influence of cultural identity, economics, health narratives and drug policy. The lessons learned from Kava consumption shed light on the lived experiences of individuals within diverse cultural contexts and provide insights into alternative medicine, ethical consumption, and the integration of traditional remedies into public health strategies.