The various positions to relieve oneself that are popular around the world each have their benefits and theories as to why they are widely used. These positions can be based on sex, health benefits, and even religion.
The Uritrottoir (Gillespie)
While researching the Paris open-air urinals known as “uritrottoirs”, I realized that the position one must achieve to use these products excludes entire masses of people. In the case of the uritrottoirs, the position required for use is standing up. Any person with a disability or a person who cannot stand up while reliving themselves is unable to use the product. What is successful about the uritrottoir, however, is its ease of access for those who are able. The products were installed to prevent party-goers and bar-hoppers to relieve themselves in a self-contained unit, rather than directly onto the street (Capezzuto). The uritrottoir is a very convenient and efficient method of relieving oneself for able-bodied people with male genitalia.
Research from other membersof my team describes different position tendencies in different locations around the world, and why they are so popular.
The Squat Toilet (Willey)
Micaela Willey in her research titled: “To Squat or Not to Squat: Culture and the Ergonomics inn the Bathroom” discusses the benefits of squatting toilets as well as the reason for its popularity. In India, open defection is very common. The squat toilet grew in popularity due to its similarity to natural methods of relieving oneself. Drawing from Zepeda, Micaela’s research shows that relieving oneself in the squatting position could help prevent bowel cancer (Willey). Because the squatting position is the way human evolved to relieve themselves, it makes sense that it would be the healthier option.
Rheata Kumala in her research titled “Global Views: Cleanliness in Islamic Bathroom” describes the positioning of the toilet in Islamic countries. In public buildings, the toilet must not face the Kaaba in the Sacred Mosque in Mecca (called “Qibla”). The direction of Qibla is the direction in which one prays. Because the act of relieving oneself is considered unclean, the toilet must not face the Sacred Mosque. However, acts of purity, such as praying, face the direction of Qibla to Mecca. (Kumala)
There are many different options for positions to relieve oneself, many of which have strong benefits. The choice is evidently up to the individual.
Bibliography
Capezzuto, Eloisa, et al. “Equalettes.” Https://static1.Squarespace.com/Static/59b599f88419c20a25d86fcf/t/5b6cb5f8aa4a992cbaac24ed/1533851129625/Equalettes.pdf.
Willey, Micaela. “To Squat or Not to Squat: Culture and the Ergonomics in the Bathroom.” The Toilet, blogs.uoregon.edu/wc75/2021/01/25/to-squat-or-not-to-squat-culture-and-the-ergonomics-in-the-bathroom/.
Kumala, Rheata. “Global Views: Cleanliness in Islamic Bathroom.” The Toilet, blogs.uoregon.edu/wc75/2021/01/27/global-views-cleanliness-in-islamic-bathroom/.
Image Source
Gillespie, James. “Testing Paris’s New Public Pissoir – the Uritrottoir.” News | The Sunday Times, The Sunday Times, 18 Aug. 2018, www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ testing-pariss-new-public-pissoir-the-uritrottoir-wwgj9g8tv.