Menstrual products, stigma, and normativities: A study on practices of university students in Ankara

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Tezin Türü: Yüksek Lisans

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Sosyoloji, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2023

Tezin Dili: İngilizce

Öğrenci: PERİHAN ASLI ÖZDAL

Danışman: Besim Can Zırh

Özet:

This study seeks to problematize menstruation as a source of social stigma and norms through investigating menstrual product consumption practices in Turkey. Despite being experienced by the half of the population, studies on menstrual stigma, norms and product consumption practices in Turkey are limited. Grounding on the semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with twenty-six menstruators between the ages of 18-23 and studying in Ankara, disposable and alternative menstrual product consumption practices constitute the focus of this study. As the research findings indicate, disposable and alternative menstrual product consumption practices interrelate with the menstrual stigma and dominant gender ideology in Turkey. Research participants living in a society where menstrual stigma is communicated with them through various channels, adopt several stigma coping mechanisms. Alternative menstrual product consumption practices, which include connections to sustainability, affordability, maintanence, feminist intentions and convenience, not only result in a normalized and destigmatized period experience but also create a new ideal menstrual subjectivity against the dominant menstrunormate of the Turkish society.