THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF MENSTRUATION IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Menstrual periods accompany women throughout the greater part of their lives. It is especially so for women in urban industrial societies, where birth rates are relatively low and hence more menstrual cycles are experienced. However, images of menstruation are often negative, even those presented by medical science. As a result, menstruation often becomes a "woman's problem" that has to be "solved". This research attempts to uncover the processes involved in the cultural construction of menstruation in Singapore. It is also crucial to see how these constructions discipline women into particular modes of thinking and behaviour in eve1yday life. The study begins by looking at some menstrual images in Western history and in other societies. This is followed by an examination of the practices and beliefs surrounding menstruation in Singapore. An investigation on the recent medical phenomenon called "Premenstrual Syndrome" throws up more questions about popular assumptions of menstrual women. Finally, an attempt is made to show how women work around menstrual constraints to their personal advantage.