Every toilet counts: the relationship between supermarket toilet availability and quality of life in the Netherlands
Keywords
Loading...
Authors
Issue Date
2025-10-10
Language
en
Document type
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Title
ISSN
Volume
Issue
Startpage
Endpage
DOI
Abstract
This thesis examines the relationship between the availability of customer-accessible toilets in Dutch supermarkets and the quality of life of their visitors. Toilets are essential but overlooked infrastructures that shape who can participate in the public life and urban life. While supermarkets are among the most frequently visited semi-public spaces in The Netherlands, many of those supermarkets lack accessible toilets. This creates barriers for people with chronic illnesses and older adults.
Using a quantitative research design, the study analysed data from a nationwide survey of 3,500 respondents which was conducted in collaboration with the Toiletalliantie and the Maag Darm Lever Fonds. The survey was structured around the World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL) framework. Statistical analyses revealed significant positive associations between perceived accessibility and multiple aspect of wellbeing. In particular physical comfort, psychological reassurance, social participation and autonomy.
The findings highlight that toilets are not merely amenities but fundamental infrastructures of inclusion. Their absence could limit autonomy, reinforces social inequality and undermines the participation in daily lives. The study concludes with a call for supermarkets and policymakers to integrate an accessible toilet into design and regulation. Recognising that every toilet counts. Especially in places that count in everyday life.
Description
Citation
Supervisor
Faculty
Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen