Menstrual narratives in the German public discourse: ‘Pinky Gloves’ – A case study

Abstract

Menstruation is a biological process that affects half of humanity – most of them women. However, menstruation is more than just a physiological phenomenon, as it is linked to social constructions and norms. Dominant menstrual narratives, including menstrual stigmas and taboos, are constantly (re)produced and reinforced by (mediated) representations, depicting menstruation as shameful, disgusting and something that should be hidden. Based on relevant literature and empirical findings, this research paper analyses the discourse surrounding the menstrual hygiene product ‘pinky gloves’. Through a qualitative content analysis of German newspaper articles the dominant menstrual narratives: stigmatization, medicalization, and commercialization haven been detected within the considered discourse. Menstrual taboos, including both communication and activity taboos, are further highlighted within the presented sample. By rather criticizing than reproducing menstrual stigmas and taboos the coverage addressing the ‘pinky-gloves’, is disrupting the dominant menstrual discourse, intending to normalize the stigmatized condition of menstruation.