Journal of Applied Elbow Grease

journal homepage: www. fauxsevier.com/joaeg

Collective Cleanliness: A Meta-Discursive Study of Academic Tearoom Culture

Lotta Washinupa and Duya Dishezb,
a
b

Associate Professor, School of Social Harmony and Sociopathy, National Capital University, Canberra, 0200 Australia
Research Fellow, National Centre for Cleanliness and Godliness, National Capital University, Canberra, 0200 Australia

ARTICLE INFO

ABSTRACT

Article history:
Received: Ages ago
Accepted: Begrudgingly
Available online: Never

This paper presents a meta-analysis of literatures contributing to academic tearoom culture.

We present a renewed argument for a grass-roots approach to the mechanics of tearoom
cleanliness, specifically in the microclimate of academic tearoom contexts where time is of
the essence in an increasingly de-regulated and over-scheduled higher-education system.
We re-contextualise the concerns of early studies to re-orient the focus away from washing
up mechanics toward a concern with the maintenance and encouragement of positive social
bonds in tearooms. In surveying recent experimental studies, this paper presents an
optimistic view of the capacity for long-lasting cultural change in academic tearoom
environments.

Keywords:
Cleanliness; Bystander Effect; Workplace harmony;
Tongue-in-cheek; Passive-Aggressive Notes;
Observer Effect;

1. Introduction

2. (De)Constructing Dish Dealings and Collegiality

In this study, we follow Stickler (2014) who has called for a renewed
investigation into the cultural mechanics of tearoom culture. She
questions the apparent paradox of social researchers awareness of
the importance of cleanliness for social cohesion, but their inability
or perhaps reticence to apply these in regards to the dishes at hand.

Downchappell and Patinas-Atlas (2014) have recently mused on

the need for collective engagement in any and all attempts at raising
hygiene standards, thus a critical mass is required before changes can
be made. Social-psychological approaches have indicated that the
corollary is also true, namely that cleaner shared spaces make for
greater cohesion among colleagues (Woerkbetta 2000; Wenn-Kleenn
1998).

Early functionalist accounts of tearoom culture focused on the

breakdown in the processes associated with keeping dishes clean
(Stakk & Sortt 1954; Craque & Braek 1960) and removing items
from tearoom fridges in a timely manner (Finde & Chuck-Dattout
1990). Traditional methods (Sudds & Bubble 1834; Scrubb & Rinze
1920) have still proven to be more effective at the physical work of
cleanliness than those professed by other studies (Stackett &
Runaway 2014; Leavitt-Durty 2013).
Later studies focused on the gendered dimensions of the work of
maintaining cleanliness in the work environment (Ura-Slobb &
Imnocha-Motha 1970) whilst rudimentary class analyses questioned
whether postgrads or paid faculty were more likely to make messes
(Workerz-Uniyte 1984).
In our previous work on passive-aggressive notes (Dishez &
Washinup 2012) we questioned the effectiveness of physical signs in
affecting behavioral change in shared areas. In meta-review of the
literature, Snark & Nagg (forthcoming) found aggressive verbal
requests were overwhelmingly met with derision (See also Gosh
2005; Juste 2008; Cleanupp 2010), whereas even visual and
propagandistic posters are largely ignored (Blindtoit 1986).

Corresponding author. Duya.Dishes@ncu.edu.au

When combined these two approaches suggest the existence of a

virtuous circle: cleanliness encourages collegiality, and thus
collegiality helps foster clean practices (Dishez & Washinup 2010).
One notable exception to this cycle is various forms of group
gatherings which tend to produce an excess of consumables which
are then placed under refrigeration (Cooling 1993). These well
intentioned actions result in the creation of communal consumables
(Sharinit 2002) which rather than being consumed, leaving many tea
room refrigerators resembling something that belongs in a chemistry
lab (Moledy-Grothz 1988).
3. Experimental/Participatory Action Research is Ongoing:
Recent experimental studies suggest a proactive approach to both
personal messes and collective consumables is more likely to be
taken when the individuals own mess is seen only within the context
of the broader cleanliness of an area as a whole (see Getsomm 2014;
Paspectif 2015). When individuals considered their own cups and
saucers as secondary to the primary cleanliness of the entire area,
participants were more likely to clean up individual messes after first
cleaning to enable basic washing up to take place (Trydat 2015).

This is fake paper is obviously a satirical piece.

There is no such university, except in the Canberrabased tv drama, The Code. All of the authors are
fake and yes there are typos and grammatical
errors. Put it up in your tearoom at your own risk!
- Downchappell.