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Study on Prejudice Pertaining to Menstruation among Rural Women of Sullia Taluk, Karnataka State


Affiliations
1 MSW Course, Mangalore University, Mangala Gangothri, Karnataka, 574199, India
2 Humanities Block, Mangalore University, Karnataka, 574199, India
     

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Menstruation is stigmatized in our society. This stigma built up due to traditional beliefs in impurity of menstruating women and our unwillingness to discuss it normally. We don't know what may have been the reason that forced the holy men to refer to menstruating women as 'unclean'. But all religions refer to menstruating woman as 'ritually unclean'. The society shies away from discussing menstruating. This leads to a lot of convenience for young girls. Many girls and women are subject to restrictions in their daily lives simply because they are menstruating. Not entering the "puja" room is the major restriction among urban girls whereas, not entering the kitchen is the main restriction among the rural girls during menstruation. Menstruating girls and women are also restricted from offering prayers and touching holy book. The underlying basis for this myth is also the cultural beliefs of impurity associated with menstruation. It is further believed that menstruating women are unhygienic and unclean and hence the food they prepare or handle can get contaminated. with these a research is conducted to know are there any taboos existing still.

Keywords

Prejudice, Taboos, Menstruation, Rural Women.
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  • Study on Prejudice Pertaining to Menstruation among Rural Women of Sullia Taluk, Karnataka State

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Authors

B. Yashaswini
MSW Course, Mangalore University, Mangala Gangothri, Karnataka, 574199, India
Bhavva
Humanities Block, Mangalore University, Karnataka, 574199, India

Abstract


Menstruation is stigmatized in our society. This stigma built up due to traditional beliefs in impurity of menstruating women and our unwillingness to discuss it normally. We don't know what may have been the reason that forced the holy men to refer to menstruating women as 'unclean'. But all religions refer to menstruating woman as 'ritually unclean'. The society shies away from discussing menstruating. This leads to a lot of convenience for young girls. Many girls and women are subject to restrictions in their daily lives simply because they are menstruating. Not entering the "puja" room is the major restriction among urban girls whereas, not entering the kitchen is the main restriction among the rural girls during menstruation. Menstruating girls and women are also restricted from offering prayers and touching holy book. The underlying basis for this myth is also the cultural beliefs of impurity associated with menstruation. It is further believed that menstruating women are unhygienic and unclean and hence the food they prepare or handle can get contaminated. with these a research is conducted to know are there any taboos existing still.

Keywords


Prejudice, Taboos, Menstruation, Rural Women.

References