Toilet paper orientation

The over orientation

The under orientation

Some toilet roll holders or dispensers allow the toilet paper to hang in front of (over) or behind (under) the roll when it is placed parallel to the wall. This divides opinions about which orientation is better. Arguments range from aesthetics, hospitality, ease of access, and cleanliness, to paper conservation, ease of detaching sheets, and compatibility with pets.

This issue was the topic of a 1977 Ask Ann Landers column,^[1] where it was occasionally reconsidered and often mentioned.^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5] In a 1986 speech, Landers claimed it was the most popular column, attracting 15,000 letters.^[6]

The case study of "toilet paper orientation" has been used as a teaching tool in instructing sociology students in the practice of social constructionism.^[7]

^ Landers1977al.
^ Landers1977fi.
^ Landers1977hh.
^ Landers1989tpd.
^ Landers1992tti.
^ Star1986htp.
^ Burns 2003.

[FOOTNOTELanders1977al-1] Landers1977al.

[FOOTNOTELanders1977fi-2] Landers1977fi.

[FOOTNOTELanders1977hh-3] Landers1977hh.

[FOOTNOTELanders1989tpd-4] Landers1989tpd.

[FOOTNOTELanders1992tti-5] Landers1992tti.

[FOOTNOTEStar1986htp-6] Star1986htp.

[FOOTNOTEBurns2003-7] Burns 2003.

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