Socio-cultural taboos concerning menstruation: A micro level study in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, India
In general, in each society there are socio-cultural norms and prescriptions regarding the knowledge, attitude, preference, behaviour of people, etc. In Hindu culture, menstruation (a reproductive health element) is considered religiously impure and ceremonially unclean. There are many socio-cultural taboos being practiced by females during menstruation. Apart from validity, these taboos help the women maintain menstrual hygiene as a prerequisite to avoid reproductive health problems. Therefore, this paper attempts to examine such practices in the study area and the factors influencing the practice of social taboos.