Blood Magic: The Anthropology of Menstruation - Softcover

Buckley, Thomas; Gottlieb, Alma

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0520063503 ISBN 13: 9780520063501

Publisher: University of California Press, 1988

Synopsis

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.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"Sets the stage for an ethnography of menstruation beliefs and will, I predict, be viewed as the opening work of a whole ethnographic tradition . . . will be widely cited."―Anna Meigs, Macalester College

"Provides a concise and complete critique of the literature and thinking on menstrual practices and introduces new analyses and concepts with regard to previously unknown material."―Ann L. Wright, University of Arizona

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.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of California Press
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0520063503
• ISBN 13: 9780520063501
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 342