Menopause and Gendered Habitus in Kerala: A Socio-cultural Analysis

Menopause, a natural biological phenomenon, is often accompanied by various physiological and psychosocial transformations that can significantly influence an individual’s habitus, encompassing lifestyle, habits, and overall well-being. This article examines how menopause, a biological phenomenon with cultural significance, is impacting the habitus of women in a socio-cultural setting. The social spaces are “gendered,” as there are cultural constraints and restrictions in society. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, this study incorporates both quantitative surveys and qualitative methods to capture a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of menopausal women in Kerala.

⓿ The paper examines gendered experiences of menopausal women in social context of Kerala and how the social context shape women’s experiences of menopause, using a mix of quantitative and qualitative data to examine bio-social factors, attitudes, and feelings towards menopause.

⓿ The study shows the impact of bio-social factors on awareness and experiences of menopause.

⓿ The findings show a shift towards viewing menopause as a natural rather than medicalized event, though awareness of treatments like HRT remains low.