From ecology to ideology : environmental and cultural drivers of menstrual taboos

Abstract

This thesis explores the environmental and cultural influences on the prevalence and expression of menstrual taboos. Using cross-cultural ethnographic data, two hypotheses were tested: (i) menstrual taboos are more common in high-investment ecological conditions, such as harsh environments and pastoral subsistence strategies, and (ii) stricter menstrual taboos are more prevalent in these conditions, as they may serve as more effective mate-guarding mechanisms. The findings suggest that environmental factors have a weak effect on the likelihood and level of restriction of menstrual taboos. The thesis also investigates why these taboos persist despite increased education and globalization. Three main factors were explored: (i) costly signalling of mate quality, (ii) religion and supernatural punishment, and (iii) group signalling and social cohesion. This research contributes to a broader understanding of the persistence of menstrual taboos and offers insights into how cultural norms evolve and endure across diverse environments.