History/ hystery...
- The myth of the 'irrational female'
- Female hysteria
- Gender myths
- Menstrual politics
Evidence-based blogs...
Top 10 Menstruation Myths
Taboos prevent people from knowing, or feeling good about their own bodies, or seeking medical help when needed, and contribute to sex/ gender discrimination.
A womb of one's own... part 1
The womb (aka uterus) is perhaps the most mysterious and politically divisive of all organs, inspiring both wonder and fear at its life-giving properties.
Women's right to reason... part 1
The likely origins of the myth of the ‘irrational female’ and how it emerged alongside revolutionary political and medical movements in 17th Century England
Irritable, not irrational!
This myth-busting post addresses the common, yet erroneous and sexist, idea that some, if not all, women become ‘irrational’, especially just before or during their period.
A womb of one's own... part 2
The ‘wandering womb’ persisted in the medical imagination for thousands of years. In Medieval times, it became possessed by demons, and 'hysterical'…
Women's right to reason... part 2
How the myth of the ‘irrational female’ evolved in 18th – 19th Century Europe, when new democracies were forced to decide if women were ‘able’ to become citizens
Bio-illogical; the myth of the irrational female
Sexist societies imply that female humans are biologically ‘irrational’, and so cannot make decisions, hold power, or even know ‘what’s best’ for themselves.
A womb of one's own... part 3
We gaze into the depths of the 'hollow' and 'empty' womb before trying to understand how a person might be able to ‘own’ their womb, once and for all.
Women's right to reason... part 3
The final part of this International Women’s Day special blog describes how the myth of the ‘irrational female’ thus became medicalised…
The great unknown; medicines and the menstrual cycle
Most medicines have only been tested on men. Find out more about how this situation came about, and why it continues to be a problem.
The historical origins of 'menstrual leave'
Menstrual leave originated in concerns about finding jobs for returning soldiers, post WWII protectionist workplace policies, and as beneficial for national fertility.
Quick links...
What's normal?
Resources... [Coming soon!]
