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

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorQuinn, Arianna Noalene
dc.contributor.authorUniversity of Lethbridger. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.contributor.supervisorBarrett, Louise
dc.date.accessioned2025-05-29T21:37:41Z
dc.date.available2025-05-29T21:37:41Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.degree.levelMasters
dc.description.abstractThis 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.
dc.embargoNo
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/7041
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherLethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology
dc.publisher.departmentDepartment of Psychology
dc.publisher.facultyArts and Science
dc.relation.ispartofseriesThesis (University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science)
dc.subjectmenstrual taboos
dc.subjectcultural evolution
dc.subjecthuman behavioural ecology
dc.subjecthuman reproductive behaviour
dc.subjectmate-guarding
dc.subjectpaternity assurance
dc.subjectcultural norms
dc.subject.lcshDissertations, Academic
dc.subject.lcshMenstruation--Cross-cultural studies
dc.subject.lcshMenstrual cycle--Social aspects--Cross-cultural studies
dc.subject.lcshTaboo--Research
dc.subject.lcshSocial evolution
dc.subject.lcshWomen--Health and hygiene--Cross-cultural studies
dc.subject.lcshMen--Attitudes
dc.titleFrom ecology to ideology : environmental and cultural drivers of menstrual taboos
dc.typeThesis
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
QUINN_ARIANNA_MSC_2025.pdf
Size:
3.18 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
license.txt
Size:
3.33 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download
Collections
Arts and Science, Faculty of
University of Lethbridge Theses