A qualitative study of communication,cultural identity,and open defecation |
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| Authors: | Robin Patric Clair Rahul Rastogi Seungyoon Lee Rosalee A Clawson Ernest R Blatchley Charlotte Erdmann |
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| Institution: | 1. Robin Patric Clair, Ph.D., Full Professor, Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA, E-mail: rpclair@purdue.edu.;2. Rahul Rastogi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Communication and Media, State University of New York, Oneonta, NY, USA, E-mail: rahulrastogi.mail@gmail.com.;3. Seungyoon Lee, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA. E-mail: seungyoon@purdue.edu;4. Rosalee A. Clawson, Ph.D., Full Professor and Head of Department of Political Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA, E-mail: clawsonr@purdue.edu.;5. Ernest R. Blatchley III, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, F. ASCE, Full Professor, Lyles School of Civil Engineering and Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA, E-mail: blatch@purdue.edu;6. Charlotte Erdmann, M.A.,Library Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA, E-mail: erdmann@purdue.edu. |
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| 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. |
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| Keywords: | Class Relations Cultural Identity Gender Health Communication Open Defecation |
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