THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF MENOPAUSE : CASE STUDY OF SINGAPORE WOMEN

Abstract

This case study aims at extrapolating the social constructions of menopause among the women in Singapore. Menopause, just as any other human phenomena is understood through human interactions with other social factors. In other words, menopause is a social construct that is dependent on the social environment of the women. The social construction of menopause is a delicate matter as it involves varied meanings across culture and social milieu. This study will be focusing on what these varied social definitions of menopause. By and large, women in this case study view menopause in three manners. They are the biomedical, process of ageing and the "rites of passage" perspectives. Following, factors that influenced these factors will be detailed and analyzed. These factors include the women's education background, informal as well as formal social support. These factors have been vital in affecting the women's social definition of menopause. It is alarming to note that Singapore is one of the fastest ageing population in Asia. In addition, the importance and urgency of this exploratory study lies in the fact that menopause will be affecting half of the population in Singapore who are females. Thus, understanding the social construction of this phenomenon is vital for the general health well-being of, at least, half of Singapore's population.