Review of Attitudes Toward Menstruation from the Perspective of Ambivalent Sexism Theory

Menstruation is a biological process that is a natural part of reproductive health; however, it is also socially and culturally gendered. Social stigmas around menstruation often construct it as a form of “illness”, “impurity”, or “restriction”. This sociocultural construct defines which activities are considered “forbidden” or “permissible” for women during menstruation, thereby regulating their behaviors and social involvement. Furthermore, menstruation is usually seen as a “private” or “taboo” topic, and when it is discussed, it is often linked with derogatory or shameful language. Discriminatory attitudes toward women’s bodies during the menstrual process are more explicit in developing and underdeveloped countries, while in developed societies, they exist in more subtle forms. Nonetheless, these attitudes are shared by both women and men, emphasizing the universal link between menstruation and gender ideology. This article seeks to conceptualize attitudes toward menstruation through the lens of Ambivalent Sexism Theory, examine the interconnectedness of hostile and benevolent sexism within these cultural representations, and analyze women’s and men’s attitudes toward menstruation. The existing literature is reviewed within a comprehensive framework, aiming to establish a theoretical foundation for future empirical studies on this topic.