Blood Magic: The Anthropology of Menstruation

Examining cultures as diverse as long-house dwellers in North Borneo, African farmers, Welsh housewives, and postindustrial American workers, this volume dramatically redefines the anthropological study of menstrual customs. It challenges the widespread image of a universal "menstrual taboo" as well as the common assumption of universal female subordination which underlies it. Contributing important new material and perspectives to our understanding of comparative gender politics and symbolism, it is of particular importance to those interested in anthropology, women's studies, religion, and comparative health systems.

Author: Thomas Buckley
Publisher: University of California Press
Published: 06/02/1988
Pages: 275
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.87lbs
Size: 8.19h x 5.49w x 0.84d
ISBN13: 9780520063501
ISBN10: 0520063503
BISAC Categories:
- Social Science | Women's Studies
- Psychology | General
- Social Science | Anthropology | General

About the Author

Thomas Buckley is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He Specializes in North American Indian ethnology and history, with particular interests in religion and language. Alma Gottlieb is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her area of interest is Africa, with emphasis on gender, religion, and family structure.