Defying the Laws of Nature?: Menstruation and Female Intellect in Historical Perspective

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dc.contributor.advisorRutherford, Alexandra
dc.creatorJenkins, Amanda Lauren
dc.date.accessioned2015-01-26T15:05:01Z
dc.date.available2015-01-26T15:05:01Z
dc.date.copyright2014-08-18
dc.date.issued2015-01-26
dc.date.updated2015-01-26T15:05:00Z
dc.degree.disciplinePsychology (Functional Area: History and Theory)
dc.degree.levelMaster's
dc.degree.nameMA - Master of Arts
dc.description.abstractIn 19th and early 20th century America menstruation began to be constructed as a barrier to women wishing to access higher education. Male physicians warned of the supposed dangers studying would impose upon female reproductive systems. A closer look at these perspectives are explored in greater depth through my research question “What discourses has science constructed around the relationship between menstruation and female cognitive ability from the late 1800s to today in America?” This paper explores two key figures in the battle against educating women: Edward H. Clarke (1820-1877) and G. Stanley Hall (1844-1924). Despite substantial support for Clarke and Hall’s arguments, many feminists sought to disprove their theories. Psychologist Leta Hollingworth, and physicians Clelia Mosher and Mary Putnam Jacobi were forerunners in these arguments. A look at how and why menstrual invalidism has persevered from 19th century to today will be explored through Nancy Tuana’s epistemology of ignorance framework.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10315/28262
dc.language.isoen
dc.rightsAuthor owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.
dc.subjectAmerican history
dc.subjectEducation
dc.subjectPsychology
dc.subject.keywordsCognitive abilityen_US
dc.subject.keywordsAmerican historyen_US
dc.subject.keywordsFeminismen_US
dc.subject.keywordsFeministsen_US
dc.subject.keywordsPsychologyen_US
dc.subject.keywordsEducationen_US
dc.subject.keywordsMenstruationen_US
dc.subject.keywordsWomenen_US
dc.subject.keywordsPhysiciansen_US
dc.subject.keywordsMedicalen_US
dc.subject.keywords19th centuryen_US
dc.subject.keywords20th centuryen_US
dc.subject.keywordsEpistemologyen_US
dc.subject.keywordsIgnoranceen_US
dc.subject.keywordsMenstrual invalidismen_US
dc.subject.keywordsReproduction systemen_US
dc.subject.keywordsScienceen_US
dc.titleDefying the Laws of Nature?: Menstruation and Female Intellect in Historical Perspective
dc.typeElectronic Thesis or Dissertationen_US

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