Stigma toward female smokers: gendered perceptions and moral judgment
Ibtisam Alamri1, Aeshah Alamri2
1Department of Social Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ealamri@ksu.edu.sa.
BMC Psychology
|June 10, 2026
Summary
Saudi women face harsher stigma for smoking than men, often seen as violating social norms. Tobacco control must be gender-sensitive to reduce this double standard and support equitable health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Social norms significantly influence tobacco use in Saudi Arabia, impacting health perceptions.
- Female smoking is subject to unique societal judgments beyond health concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore gendered perceptions of smoking in Saudi Arabia.
- To understand the social stigma associated with female smoking.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews.
- 35 Saudi adults (20 women, 15 men) aged 18+ participated.
Main Results:
- A significant gendered double standard in smoking stigma was identified.
- Women's smoking was judged more harshly, linked to femininity, modesty, and reputation.
- Men's smoking was normalized, sometimes associated with masculinity, despite health risks.
Conclusions:
- Smoking is socially regulated, especially for women in Saudi Arabia.
- Gender-sensitive, culturally informed tobacco control strategies are crucial.
- Public health initiatives should focus on health, avoid stereotypes, and offer confidential support.
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