Giving up the "cotton life" for the "#cuplife" : a reflexive thematic analysis of asynchronous online discussions among menstrual cup users in 'developed' nations : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology (Critical Health Psychology) at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
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Date
2021
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Massey University
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Abstract
The menstrual cup is an “alternative” reusable menstrual product offering a cost-effective, safe, and environmentally conscious means of menstrual management. Despite these benefits, menstrual cups are widely associated with negative discourses surrounding female bodies, reproduction, and sexuality. Little existing research considers how those who use menstrual cups negotiate these negative discourses and potentially challenge the menstrual stigma that acts as a barrier to reusable menstrual product (RMP) use, particularly women residing in higher income settings. The emergence of online forums as a source of information and community for menstrual cup users offers a unique opportunity to investigate how menstrual cup users negotiate discourses that promote stigma and taboo associated with the menstruating body. Drawing on data generated in online focus group discussions with 17 women recruited from online communities, I explore how women construct their experiences with menstrual cups and potentially resist stigmatising discourses. Using reflexive thematic analysis, and adopting a critical, social constructionist orientation, my analysis shows how participants draw on alternative discourses (neo-liberalism, environmentalism, and healthism) to negotiate spaces to perform menstrual behaviours with RMPs. The active resistance of restrictive menstrual discourses, and the emergence of new, positive constructions of menstrual cup use are shown as central to encouraging others to transition to ‘waste-free menstrual management’ practices. These findings contribute to the emerging area of Critical Menstruation Studies and hold important implications for initiatives to mitigate the social and economic effects of menstrual inequity.