Handwashing Case Study

Why is correct handwashing considered deviant? Children in first world countries are taught from a young age that proper hand washing will protect them from germs and the spread of disease (Lather Up For Good Health, 2010; Handy Saves The Day In Your Pre-School, 2014; Scrubclub.org, 2007). It ingrained into the minds of preschool children that one of the most important ways they can prevent contamination is by washing their hands with soap and water. Handwashing is therefore considered to be one of the only forms of defence against disease. Yet, even though it is important many adults do not continue with the handwashing techniques they are taught in childhood. Especially in hospitals, handwashing compliance levels are low which allows for a higher risk of infection (Lee, 2014; Azim and McLaws, 2014). Studies have been performed to help understand handwashing

SLT is based around the idea that personal, behavioural and environmental factors all influence people 's actions in a particular context (Berry, Mitteer and Fournier, 2014, p. 925). Gender has a role in handwashing as expectations of women and their perceived ‘natural’ role as a stay-at-home mum make cleanliness an important part of their gender role (ibid, p. 926). Social norms are adhered to more in the presence of others as the risk of handwashing may be getting caught (ibid, p. 926). From an environmental perspective, it was observed that bathrooms which have more hand to hand contact involved have a higher rate of handwashing (ibid, p. 927). Research has suggested that by inducing disgust through videos and posters increases the level of handwashing (Porzig-Drummond et al., 2009). If disgust intervention was implemented it might change the perceptions of deviance. Instead of being deviant for washing hands properly a person could be seen as