Regulating Menstruation Beliefs, Practices, Interpretations
“Regulating Menstruation Beliefs, Practices, Interpretations” by Etienne van de Walle is a comprehensive exploration of the diverse ways women understand and manage menstruation. Published by the University of Chicago Press in June 2001, this 292-page volume delves into the historical and contemporary cultural, social, economic, and political contexts surrounding menstruation. The book examines how menstruation is perceived—ranging from a negative “curse” to a celebrated sign of fertility—and highlights the various practices women employ to regulate their menstrual cycles.
Readers will find a collection of fourteen revised papers that discuss a wide array of topics, including the effects of the birth control pill and the use of herbal substances. This edition provides insights into women’s health and sociology, reflecting on the ambiguity of menstruation practices across different cultures and time periods. Through its detailed analysis, the book aims to shed light on the complex interpretations and reactions women have towards menstruation, making it a significant contribution to the fields of women’s studies and health.
Official synopsis Publisher
Menstruation, seen alternately as something negative—a “curse” or a failed conception—or as a positive part of the reproductive process to be celebrated as evidence of fertility, has long been a universal concern. How women interpret and react to menstruation and its absence reflects their individual needs both historically as well as in the contemporary cultural, social, economic, and political context in which they live. This unique volume considers what is known of women’s options and practices used to regulate menstruation—practices used to control the periodicity, quantity, color, and even consistency of menses—in different places and times, while revealing the ambiguity that those practices present.
Originating from an Internet conference held in February 1998, this volume contains fourteen papers that have been revised and updated to cover everything from the impact of the birth control pill to contemporary views on reproduction to the pharmacological properties of various herbal substances, reflecting the historical, contemporary, and anthropological perspectives of this timely and complex issue.
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Regulating Menstruation Beliefs, Practices, Interpretations” about?
Who is the author of “Regulating Menstruation Beliefs, Practices, Interpretations”?
When was “Regulating Menstruation Beliefs, Practices, Interpretations” published?
What is the ISBN for “Regulating Menstruation Beliefs, Practices, Interpretations”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
