The Social Construction of Barefooting in Rural Ethiopia: The Case of Fogera, South Gondar

Abstract

Walking barefoot is a common practice in the Fogera community. It is associated with social meanings such as masculinity and strength and much less with poor economic conditions. Using the concept of social construction, this article investigates the underlying norms and values that govern the tradition of barefooting among the Fogera rural community. By employing semi-structured interviews with participants of in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focused-group discussions, the study found that the practice is deeply rooted in social norms. Barefooting could be a sign of mourning, strength, braveness, and religious devotion. It could also happen due to perceived unsuitability of shoes for specific farm activities, financial constraints, and shortage of shoes in local markets. On the other hand, there are adverse impacts of barefooting including ill-health (foot injuries and infections) and social problems (discrimination and harassment).