Stains, Staining and the Ethics of Dirty Work

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the theoretical potential of stains and staining as a productive way of understanding dirty work, especially the physical,social and moral taint attributed to it (Ashforth and Kreiner, 1999; Drew et al., 2007). The concept of the stain can be understood through the ethics of dirty work, focusing on healthcare and the presence of the body as a key site through which staining and stains may be a rich theoretical resource. This may involve physical as well as emotional and symbolic staining, something that leaves its mark against the backdrop of domestic hygiene, cleanliness and order.