Lonely Confined Spaces: A Social Stratification Study of Dwelling Duration in University Library Toilet Stalls
Abstract
Background: Toilet stalls serve multiple functions for students: avoiding acquaintances, scrolling phones, and escaping academic pressure. Existing research rarely examines dwelling durations among status groups. Methods: 30‑day fieldwork in six male stalls of a “Double First‑Class” university library (n=327). Findings: (1) Doctoral students' average dwelling (8.7 min) > master's (4.2) > undergrad (2.3); (2) Backpack +3.5 min; (3) Video audio correlates with duration (r=0.67, p
Fields of Study & Subjects
Cultural Capital and Social Class
Gender Studies and Social Issues
Social Power and Status Dynamics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the European Academy Open University
- Volume
- 1
- Issue
- 1
- Publication date
- 7 March 2026
- Language
- EN