Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is twofold. First, it is an exercise in the application of critical anthropological theory and methodology to a subject matter that has not been treated by these approaches. In the process, the construction of anthropological knowledge is consistently questioned and evaluated. Second, an exploration of menstrual ideology and practice is provided through the experiences of women living in south-western Ontario. Research was conducted through various methods: 100 women of different ages and ethnic backgrounds participated in a menstrual care product questionnaire. Store managers and owners were interviewed regarding the sales and merchandising of menstrual care products, as well as a thorough search of the feminine hygiene industry's different web sites. 18 women were interviewed regarding their menstrual history, sexuality, family experience, health, and their perceptions and choices of menstrual care products. Six different families participated in life history interviews. Four of these families are presented in the thesis in the form of 14 individual life histories. The topics discussed include: menarche, pregnancy, divorce, abortion, sexuality, work, family relationships, Toxic Shock Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian disease, menopause, and commercial menstrual care products.