‘To smoke or not to smoke’: Indonesian women contesting and negotiating the taboo

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Women smokers are overlooked because of their current low smoking rates compared to men smokers. However, smoking among women in developing countries, including Indonesia is increasing due to the weakening of social stigma that was previously said to prevent them from uptake cigarettes. The study aimed to explore the stigmatization of smoking women from women’s perspectives. Methods We interviewed 39 women—19 smokers and 20 nonsmokers aged 18 years old and above in Banda Aceh and Jakarta representing urban contexts. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using the self-categorization theory where women characterized identity at different levels of inclusiveness. Results Our study found most participants perceived the social stigma of women smokers still exists. Women’s viewpoints toward women smokers are situated between challenging and compromising women and their smoking conduct, illustrated by why they smoke, where they choose to smoke, and how the smokers look like. Conclusion Women’s perceptions and attitudes toward women smoking provide insights into how the remainder of social judgment can serve as a barrier to capturing accurate information about women smokers and solving smoking-related issues, particularly in developing countries, such as Indonesia. Policymakers and health professionals need to determine and implement more gendered sensitive tobacco control interventions.