SOCIOL 1360 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Fetus, Earwax
Document Summary
The (cid:498)menstrual closet(cid:499: shame is associated with (cid:498)disgusting(cid:499) menstruation. Broadly, the rules governing how we handle it, who we can talk to about it, and how to deal with devices used with it. Creates a huge disciplinary burden for females; supposed to hide everything: lack of support in public institutions. Similarity is equated to equality; when the norm is a male body, however, equality cannot be derived from similarity. Women face lack of time and space as well as availability of products. Supposed to keep it hidden, but nearly impossible when not equipped. Stigma of moodiness from periods; anything with emotion is. Menstruation and time dismissed as hormonal: related to how we organize our life. When we set up an appointment; when we go on vacation: creates brackets of time in life, marks the transition from adolescence to near-adulthood in life, menopause creates another transition. Alternative approaches to menstruation: public acceptance of menstruation as ordinary and unremarkable.
