Campus Location
Abilene Campus (Residential)
Date of Award
Spring 4-2017
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Communication
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Committee Chair or Primary Advisor
Lauren Lemley
Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor
Lynette Sharp Penya
Third Committee Member or Committee Reader
Suzie Macaluso
Abstract
Menstrual taboos exist around the world, and while new conversations are starting to address these issues, in many regions these taboos limit women’s daily lives and can even lead to serious health problems. Artifacts around the world are starting to emerge to challenge these preconceived notions and bring menstrual hygiene awareness as well as products to women in need. While the origination of the menstrual taboo is not clearly defined, various literature discusses both the cultural and religious origin and perpetuation of menstrual taboos. This thesis examines various artifacts found in the regions of the United States and the United Kingdom, India, and South Africa, as well as the current views regarding menstruation in those regions. Utilizing the theoretical frameworks of media framing and linguistic theory, this thesis examines how artifacts in these regions are challenging menstrual taboos by relating to their audience. I analyzed each artifact using these theories in order to answer my three research questions. My findings illustrated that these artifacts relate to and educate their audiences to eradicate menstrual taboos in their regions.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Lamborn, Audrey Marie, "It’s About ‘That Time’ to Break the Cycle: A Rhetorical Analysis of Challenging Menstrual Taboos" (2017). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 67.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/67