O kontroli zmysłowości i dostępie do toalet publicznych
About Control of Sensuality and Access to Public Toilets

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the paper is to place the phenomenon of public restroom in two contexts: 1. historical and cultural, which is related to the effect of rising “threshold of shame”, as analysed by Norbert Elias, as well as to the civilizational changes that influence society and individual; 2. socio-economical, regarding the accessibility of public toilets, which in turn has an impact on who, when and where can use them. In its first part, the work utilizes tools derived from psychoanalysis and anthropology, especially Mary Douglas’ theory of dirt and cleanliness. Part two is dedicated to the consideration of situations of different social groups, i.e. homeless people, street traders, taxi drivers, for whom, in author’s opinion, the matters of accessibility of public restrooms are especially important, having effect on their levels of prosperity and wellbeing.

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