A cross cultural study of menstrual taboos

Cross-Cultural Approaches • HRAF Press • New Haven • Published In • Pages: 67-94 •
By Stephens, William N.

Abstract

This study tests the relationship between menstrual taboos and castration anxiety. The author posits that the extensiveness of menstrual taboos is determined by the average castration anxiety. Using various measures of castration anxiety, the author finds significant support for this hypothesis.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
OtherOther Researchers
Ethnographic Reports

Hypotheses (4)

HypothesisSupported
"Extensiveness of menstrual taboos observed in a primitive society is determined to a significant extent by the average intensity of castration anxiety [measured by a composite predictor based on child rearing practices]" (69, 89)Supported
"Extensiveness of menstrual taboo observed in a primitive society is determined to a significant extent by the average intensity of castration anxiety felt by men [as measured by child rearing practices]"Not Supported
"The extensiveness of menstrual taboos observed in a primitive society is determined to a significant extent by the average intensity of castration anxiety felt by men [measured by frequency of all kinds of physical injury in folktales]" (69, 89)Supported
"the extensiveness of menstrual taboos observed in a primitive society is determined to a significant extent by the average intensity of castration anxiety felt by men [as measured by frequency of genital injury and severing in folktales]" (69,89)Not Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Megan Farrer