Aging and Menopause Among Indian South African Women

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

"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

• Preface 1. The Cultural Climacteric IntroductionSurvey of Climacteric Studies 2. The South African Scene The History of Indian South AfricansThe Position of Indian South AfricansStudying Indian South African Women 3. Population Description IntroductionPopulation ProfileSocial Organization 4. Being a Woman IntroductionRole Conception and PerformanceImage: The Modern Indian South African WomanBeing a Woman 5. Lifestyles and Life Course IntroductionSelf-ConceptLife EventsRole SatisfactionCoping BehaviorLife Cycle Perceptions 6. Perspectives on Health IntroductionProfile of HealthFamily HistoryReproductive HealthPost Reproductive HealthSexualityMenstruation 7. The Menopause IntroductionInformation Concerning MenopauseExpectations Concerning MenopauseExperiencing the MenopauseCognitionBehavioral 8. Conclusion Appendix References Indexes