Female physiology and female puberty rites

Ethos • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In • Pages: 132-150 •
By Kitahara, Michio

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine female puberty rites and to suggest that such rites may be explained in terms of female physiology, as symbolized, for example, by menstruation.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)

Hypotheses (6)

HypothesisSupported
Societies with extensive menstrual taboos are positively associated with individual female puberty rites (137)Supported
Extensive menstrual taboos are positively associated with individual female puberty rites (138)Supported
Extensive menstrual taboos will be positively associated with only women as initiating adults (140)Supported
Extensive menstrual taboos will be positively associated with emic emphasis on the initiate's change in body, status, or behavior (140-141)Supported
Among cultures without puberty rites in East Eurasia, North America and South America, there is a positive relationship between extent of menstrual taboos and presence of community-wide exclusive male groups.Not Supported
Among groups without puberty rites in Africa, Circim-Mediterranean, and Insular Pacific, there is a negative association between extent of menstrual taboos and presence of community-wide exclusive male groups.Not Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Jessie Cohen