Social Ostracism and Criminality among Medical Waste Workers in Bangladesh: Neurobiological Aspects

Abstract

Background: Complex relationships exist between socio-economic inequality, social stratification, drug addiction, and criminality in society. A great deal is now known regarding the neurobiology underlying behaviours such as drug addiction and criminality. Most sociological and psychological theories of why such behaviours and phenomena exist have been constructed based on observations made in Western cultures. The unique social, economic, and cultural characteristics of the developing world, and in particular South Asia, have not typically been taken into account. Medical waste workers are a particularly marginalized population in this region, and are uniquely vulnerable to becoming engaged in these behaviours which are harmful to them and to society. Methods: Here we examine the influence of social inequality and stratification on initiation into criminality, specifically drug use, amongst medical waste operatives, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected from a wide range of people (n = 74) involved with medical waste handling through sampling strategy to collect the required data using a variety of qualitative techniques included observation, formal and informal dialogue. Sampling strategies included formal representative sampling, purposive and authoritative sampling. Results: Data suggests that the compounded effects of social discrimination, fatalistic belief system, socio-economic disparity and finally ostracism may interact with neurobiological predispositions to create unique drug abuse and criminality profiles amongst medical waste workers. Conclusion: These findings challenge current models of factors contributing to drug use and criminality in society among adolescents and suggest a new framework for conceptualizing these complex issues that incorporates these complex biological, psychological, and sociological factors.