Acceptance Of Single Undergraduates In Universiti Sains Malaysia Towards Breastfeeding In Public
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Date
2020-04
Authors
Aloysius, Maria
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Breastfeeding in public is a stigma and represents a bodily issue which is associated with vulgarity and obscenity across cultures and communities worldwide. Bresatfeeding in public includes discussions of two domains : the public and private and it considered to be a vibrant topic that intersects motherhood and sexuality. Extensive literature on breastfeeding in public in Malaysia is scarce and this study wants to provide new insight into understanding the acceptance of Malaysian youth, towards breastfeeding in public. This qualitative study examines acceptance among single undergraduates in USM towards breastfeeding in public using the Fredrickson Robert’s (1997) Self Objectification theory. A sample of 30 single undergraduates USM were interviewed in-depth to explore their acceptance towards breastfeeding in public. Braun & Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis were used to develop themes from the data collected from the undergraduates. Female undergradautes were supportive and redefined brestfeeding in public as a right as well as a symbol of mother’s love towards her baby whereas male undergraduates were only supportive of bresatfeeding in public with discretion, where mothers are encouraged to cover up with blankets or locate a new venue to safely bresatfeed. Nine themes were discovered inculded issues such as discretion, modesty, the male and female gaze as well as role of men as protectors of women. Female gazing is the most profound discovery of this study where female undergraduates call out other women for looking at other women. This study discusses the two major reasonings of breasts are sexual versus breast are maternal or natural. There is a call for change among the Malaysian undergradutes with the suggestion of breaking the stigma towards breastfeeding in public.
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Social sciences