Systrar i röda jeans - En kvalitativ studie om kläder och kvinnlighet i förhållande till menstruationscykeln.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze how a woman's relation to her menstrual cycle constructs norms about femininity. Furthermore, it will examine the relationship between the different phases of the menstrual cycle and clothing choices made during this time. Lastly, this study will seek to understand how a woman experiences her own body during her cycle. It is a qualitative study that will discuss cultural values such as norms, memories, practices, clothes, and femininity. The study is based on four interviews with women as well as observations during the interviews. We analyzed our empirical material through the theory of Phenomenology and the concept of Gender creation. The result of our study shows that during their menstruation cycle the four women dress differently based on how their clothes and materials feel. Also, their individual expression of femininity differs depending on their phase in the cycle. The menstrual process as well as the clothing affect how these women feel about their own self-esteem, feelings of shame, body experiences and attractiveness.