Menstruation experiences of South African women belonging to the ama-Xhosa ethnic group
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15098583 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Anita Padmanabhanunni (0000-0001-7733-7486, University of the Western Cape, corresponding author), Labeeqah Jaffer (University of the Western Cape), Jeanette Steenkamp (Rhodes University) |
| Year | 2018 |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | 704-714 |
| Publication date | 2018-06-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Culture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/13691058.2017.1371335 |
| PMID | 28914175 |
| OpenAlex | W2754478151 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 11 |
| References cited | 31 |
A growing body of research has emphasised the salience of cultural beliefs and traditional practices to women's experiences of menstruation. Relatively less research has, however, been undertaken in South Africa. This study explored the experience of menstruation among women from the ama-Xhosa ethnic group, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. Among the ama-Xhosa, there are distinct cultural practices associated with menstruation, including the female rite of passage (intonjane) and virginity testing (inkciyo). However, few studies have explored the experience of menstruation for women from this cultural group. This study involved the synthesis of data from individual interviews and focus group discussions conducted among a sample of ama-Xhosa women. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Distinctive findings included women's participation in traditional cultural practices of intonjane and inkciyo and the presence of cultural taboos associated with menstruation. Women's narratives revealed strong ambivalence regarding these practices. On the one hand, they wanted to adhere to traditional practices but experienced these customs as evoking discomfort and shame. The study confirmed the prevalence of negative constructions of menstruation. Positive appraisals of menstruation as evoking joy and happiness were also encountered
Ethnic group · Menstruation · Shame · Sociology · Xhosa · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Anthropology · Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues · Gender Studies · Medicine · Menstrual Health and Disorders · Psychology · Social Psychology
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| Unique citing works | 11 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1,57 |
| Citation span | 2019 - 2025 (7) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 11 |