The constraints of a normal life: the management of urinary incontinence by middle aged women.
In this paper, we explore social aspects of the management of urinary incontinence (UI) by women in their middle years. Drawing on interview data with 75 women, and on sociological theories of the body, we illustrate the problematic nature of UI. The occurrence of UI is commonly regarded as a sign of bodily neglect and a lack of self-discipline. To ensure continued social membership, women must devise ways and adhere to various social rules to manage the physiologically "leaky" body that defies cultural norms of restraint and control. Managing UI involves anticipating and masking a problem that invokes persistent cultural ideas about the female body.
Peake
Susan
S
Key Centre for Women's Health in Society, Department of Public Health, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. s.peake@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au
Manderson
Lenore
L
D000375:Aging / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D003020:Clothing; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011793:Queensland; D012648:Self Care; D019529:Sexuality / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*