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.
Thomas Buckleyis an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He Specializes in North American Indian ethnology and history, with particular interests in religion and language.Alma Gottliebis Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her area of interest is Africa, with emphasis on gender, religion, and family structure.
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
The first book on the anthropology of menstruation to be published by a major university press.
A major innovation is the deliberate and consistent focus on womens views and their participation in social responses to bodily processes.
Reclaiming the female body, retrieving it piece by piece from the grip of patriarchal culture and medical practice, has been a central feminist goal for each of the last two decades. Menstruation . . lcz
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