A cross-cultural study of menstruation, menstrual taboos and related social variables

Ethos • Vol/Iss. 2 • Published In • Pages: 137-170 •
By Montgomery, Rita E.

Abstract

This article explores biological, psychological, and social explanations for menstrual taboos. Attention is paid to the role of men in rituals associated with reproduction--i.e. before, during and after childbirth, as well as during girls' puberty rites.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
HRAF Collection of Ethnography (paper/fiche)
Ethnographic Reports

Hypotheses (6)

HypothesisSupported
"Active male participation [i.e. father must aid the development of the fetus after conception by repeated intercourse, warmth of father's body, etc.] is believed necessary for the consequent physical development of the fetus [in societies with low menstrual taboo scores rather than in societies with high menstrual taboo scores]"Not Supported
"Men as well as women observe prepartum taboos to ensure a successful delivery and a healthy child . . . [more frequently in cultures with low menstrual taboo scores than in cultures with high menstrual taboo scores]" (159)Supported
"Men are in attendance at birth, or else they are performing a special function elsewhere thought to ease the birth . . . [more frequently in cultures with low menstrual taboo scores that in cultures with high menstrual taboo scores]" (161)Supported
"Men bury the placenta, 'rest', or observe post partum taboos . . . [more frequently in cultures with low menstrual taboo scores than in cultures with high menstrual taboo scores]" (162)Supported
"Men play a role in the physical or ritual attainment of puberty by females . . . [more frequently in cultures with low menstrual taboo scores than in cultures with high menstrual taboo scores]" (164)Supported
"There exists cosmological or mythical reference to the importance of men in creation . . . [more frequently in cultures with low menstrual taboo scores than in cultures with high menstrual taboo scores]" (165)Not Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Amelia Piazza