This article examines body odor and the cultural values that come into play in determining the limits of acceptability in body odor, as well as the issue confronting the person identified as ‘the source of the problem’. A brief review of the literature is presented to acquaint the reader with values and meanings associated with odors. Detweiler's category width construct is used to examine intolerance to body odor. Neurological factors of smell are also discussed. Finally, a number of suggestions are presented to assist in making cross-cultural conflicts about body odor into worthwhile learning experiences about ethnocentrism. © 1995, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

body odor cross-cultural sensitivity

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