The Impact of the Media and the Mediated Menstrual Movement on Young People’s Attitudes Towards Activism, Menstruation, and Menstrual Stigma

Abstract

Drawing on focus groups with 77 male, female, and non-binary teenagers in Yorkshire, this chapter examines the extent to which the menstrual movement, social media, and the news media have destigmatised menstruation for young people in Great Britain. The chapter argues that the ‘everyday’ presence of menstruation in young people’s virtual worlds is encouraging them to view it as a natural bodily experience about which they can speak openly with family, with friends, and, increasingly, within mixed gender groups. Since the menstrual movement has catalysed and sustained this increased visibility, these findings offer a very strong indicator of the success of the movement’s central aim of destigmatising menstruation. Nevertheless, many young men do not feel included by the menstrual movement and feel unsure as to when and how they can communicate about menstruation. They are, however, keen to learn more about menstrual experiences and how they can better support their family and friends. Thus, the most impactful way in which menstrual activists can further reduce menstrual stigma is to engage men effectively and to support them to become allies. Furthermore, the chapter argues that the menstrual movement would resonate better with young people through amplifying the voices of activists from ethnic minority groups. Finally, the chapter illustrates that social media has transformed how young people understand, appreciate, and conduct activism.