Expanding consumption goes beyond mere deregulation
In various parts of the world, menstrual activism takes different forms, often addressing issues such as shame and absenteeism among girls in schools. This is a common concern in some countries, where the natural process of menstruation continues to be shrouded in stigma.
The history of menstruation reveals an interesting dynamic. Women, who have traditionally had expert knowledge about menstruation, saw their wisdom gradually overshadowed by the male medical profession from the 16th century onwards. Ancient figures like Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder held the belief that menstrual blood was poisonous and weakened the body.
This perspective, rooted in antiquity, has persisted throughout history and has significantly influenced the social position of women. For instance, in Germany until the 1990s, women were sometimes barred from being present at slaughterhouses due to the belief that menstrual blood would spoil the meat.
Menstrual health is not just a physical matter but is deeply intertwined with political discourses and societal values. It involves feelings and attitudes towards bleeding, bodily knowledge, and the challenges faced in regions with limited access to clean sanitation facilities, particularly in the global North.
The connection between gender and menstruation is crucial to understand, as all menstruators experience assignments of femininity. Menstrual health encompasses the entire cycle, from bleeding to ovulation, and includes the processes of menarche and menopause in a lifelong and socially mediated way.
Menstruators, particularly those in the global South, often face challenges related to infrastructure, such as cleanliness and access to necessary products, in public restrooms. Period poverty is also a pressing issue in Germany, with approximately 23% of menstruators affected by the high cost of period products.
The ideas of toxicity, weakness, and disgust associated with menstruation negatively impact not only the social position of women who menstruate but also men who menstruate. These ideas reinforce patriarchal norms that control and stigmatize their bodies, leading to invisibility, marginalization, and increased vulnerability, especially for transgender and non-binary men.
Recognizing care and vulnerability as societal values is essential to creating conditions in which menstruation is lived naturally and self-determined. Simone de Beauvoir was one of the first feminist voices in menstrual research in the 1950s, paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding approach to menstrual health.
Menstruation is a continually learned and explored experience for many individuals. It involves considerations of technologies like tampons, apps, and calendars, as well as practices of prevention and care. By understanding and addressing the complexities surrounding menstruation, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all menstruators.
