Product Description

Examining cultures as diverse as long-house dwellers in North Borneo, African farmers, Welsh housewives, and postindustrial American workers, this volume dramatically redefines the anthropological study of menstrual customs. It challenges the widespread image of a universal "menstrual taboo" as well as the common assumption of universal female subordination which underlies it. Contributing important new material and perspectives to our understanding of comparative gender politics and symbolism, it is of particular importance to those interested in anthropology, women's studies, religion, and comparative health systems.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #554350 in Books
• Published on: 1988-06-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 275 pages

From the Inside Flap
"Sets the stage for an ethnography of menstruation beliefs and will, I predict, be viewed as the opening work of a whole ethnographic tradition . . . will be widely cited."--Anna Meigs, Macalester College

"Provides a concise and complete critique of the literature and thinking on menstrual practices and introduces new analyses and concepts with regard to previously unknown material."--Ann L. Wright, University of Arizona

Customer Reviews

Parents, please read this book
I first read this book 15 years ago, in the midst of writing a book about women roles in California Indian society. It brought so many things into sharper focus about other ways of seeing the world and our place in it. Everyone should be taught its lessons, that menstuation is not something to be ashamed of but to value, as an opportunity to give life, and to bond with nature and family. Imagine if women everywhere had Moontime retreats, that is, monthly meetings(not just furtive water-cooler chats) about our physical and emotional changes. And imagine having a positive body-image, as a girl, teenager, young adult, mother, daughter, and grandmother, not just able to cope, but ready to lead? Break the taboo, read it, talk about it; I dare you!