Constructed gender discrimination: Reflections on a long and winding road

Abstract

Fundamentally, it would be expected that men and women are treated equally, also where private matters such as the access to toilets is concerned. Previous research reports on how gender discrimination is embedded in the design of public toilets, resulting in (dis)similar outcomes. This study, however, goes beyond simply comparing the number of toilets available to men and women, and also engages in the different experiences, associated by a male or a female using toilets while travelling for leisure purposes. Data were collected during a 12-day leisure trip departing from Johannesburg, visiting the south of France, and ultimately the city of Moscow. A mix-method of data generation was followed, incorporating quantitative observations of ablution facilities, as well as autoethnographical comments, which formed the qualitative part of the research. Quantitative data were collected from 16 sites. The quantitative data confirm previous findings that, at a numerical level, men have more access to toilet facilites than women. At a perception level, it could be reported, that in general, access to the immediate use of toilets facilities was similar for both men and women, and that in most cases the facilities were perceived to be well kept and hygienic. Specifically, perceptions regarding the facilities differed along gender lines, with men seemingly having less concerns regarding hygiene in the facilities, and women perceiving men to have easier and faster access to the use of toilets. As for access and experiences about toilet facilities, the words of the song “The Long and Winding Road” seem to ring true, as the road always leads you to the same “door”. From these travellers’ experiences, the message is clear. Men and women differ, and serious efforts need to be made by those involved in the travel and tourism industry to accommodate both genders. As discussed later in the article, the solution does not necessary lie in communal ablution facilities. Some suggestions for the improvement of the ablutionrelated travel and tourism experience are offered.