Aging and Menopause Among Indian South African Women

By Brian M. du Toit

Subjects: Women's Studies
Series: SUNY series in Medical Anthropology
Paperback : 9780791403907, 343 pages, September 1990
Hardcover : 9780791403891, 343 pages, October 1990
Out of print (Hardcover)

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Table of contents

Preface

1. The Cultural Climacteric

 

Introduction
Survey of Climacteric Studies

 

2. The South African Scene

 

The History of Indian South Africans
The Position of Indian South Africans
Studying Indian South African Women

 

3. Population Description

 

Introduction
Population Profile
Social Organization

 

4. Being a Woman

 

Introduction
Role Conception and Performance
Image: The Modern Indian South African Woman
Being a Woman

 

5. Lifestyles and Life Course

 

Introduction
Self-Concept
Life Events
Role Satisfaction
Coping Behavior
Life Cycle Perceptions

 

6. Perspectives on Health

 

Introduction
Profile of Health
Family History
Reproductive Health
Post Reproductive Health
Sexuality
Menstruation

 

7. The Menopause

 

Introduction
Information Concerning Menopause
Expectations Concerning Menopause
Experiencing the Menopause
Cognition
Behavioral

 

8. Conclusion

Appendix

References

Indexes

Description

Du Toit contributes to the study of the climacteric as an important phase of the life cycle among women of different cultures (the later reproductive and postreproductive years). Drawing upon perspectives in anthropology, sociology, psychology, and gerontology, he demonstrates the need for an adequate cross-cultural theory of aging among women, and offers a solid body of research from South Africa in establishing a standard methodology for the study of the climacteric.

Brian M. du Toit is Professor of Anthropology at the University of Florida.

Reviews

"Dr. du Toit's study of the aging process and climacteric experience is set in the context of the cultural experience and life meanings of Indian South African women. His book touches upon issues related not only to the history, social organization and family life of this region, but identifies and develops the concept of being a woman throughout the lifespan. I particularly liked the sections on women's health practice, family health behavior and sexuality that sets the stage for his detailed analysis of the menopausal experience. " — Setha M. Low, The City University of New York

"This is a work which will help to fill a lacuna on climacteric from a cultural perspective. The data are useful, the comparisons enlightening. It is highly comprehensive and balances psychological and sociocultural data very well. "— David N. Suggs, Kenyon College

"Cross-cultural studies of menopause provide a great deal of insights to the dynamics of women's status, the relationships between gender, health and illness as well as the importance of the body as metaphor and cultural symbol. The section on sexuality is ethnographically stimulating. " — Dona Davis, University of South Dakota

"I could not believe how similar the myths, stereotypes and actual experiences were to American women in menopause. It is the similarity, not the differences that surprised me. " — Linda Crockett McKeever, California State University, Fullerton