A qualitative study of communication, cultural identity, and open defecation

Abstract

Open defecation persists as a global health problem despite efforts to build and implement better toilets. Based on nine focus group meetings held across two communities in rural Uttar Pradesh, India, this study shows that open defecation is a symbolic practice contributing to social and cultural identity formation. Major themes were derived regarding the positives and negatives of open defecation and latrine use. Open defecation was considered as a means for social communication, particularly for girls and women, and not necessarily as a healthier practice. Issues of politics and class relations emerged, with lower caste people expressing the lack of or poor quality toilets. Yet the persistence of historical and cultural identity played a part in people’s preference to go out to the field to defecate, especially for women to sustain their social connectedness and men to sustain their masculine identity. These cultural and communication aspects of open defecation should be considered in ongoing sanitation movements.

Keywords:

• Class Relations
• Cultural Identity
• Gender
• Health Communication
• Open Defecation

Notes

^[1] By rural Indians, we are referring to those individuals who live in agricultural communities. Rural, as defined by the Oxford dictionary (The Concise Oxford Dictionary, 1982, Clarendon Press, 6th ed., p. 916), is an agricultural community usually located in the country.

Additional information

Funding

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation (grant #207532) coordinated through Purdue Policy Research Institute (PPRI).