1999 AMULREE ESSAY PRIZE (COMMENDED ESSAY): Cross-cultural attitudes to the menopause and the ageing female

摘要

All societies distinguish between different life stages [1]. Studies of rites of passage describe how each society's cultural socialisation creates chapters in life during which people are accorded new statuses, rights and duties [1]. Different societies, however, treat individuals in each of the various stages in a different way, notably the older members o the group, and, more specifically, older women. The menopause is an interesting point at which to start a study of the middle and later years, firstly because it is a biological sign- pot acknowledged by most societies.