Humanities and Arts
Introduction: The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 in the Context of Menstrual Politics and History
author list,
Bettina Bildhauer,
Camilla Røstvik,
Sharra Vostral
Abstract
In January 2021, Scotland became the first country in the world to make universal access to free period products a legal right, an initiative which attracted extraordinary international attention. This introduction outlines what is indeed new and ground-breaking about this law from the perspective of the history of menstruation, and what merely continues traditional and widespread conceptions, policies and practices surrounding menstruation. On the basis of an analysis of the parliamentary debates of the Act, we show that it gained broad political support by satisfying a combination of ten different political agendas: promoting gender equality for women while acknowledging broader gender diversity, practically alleviating one high-profile aspect of poverty at a relatively low overall cost to the state, tackling menstrual stigma, improving access to education, working with grassroots campaigners, improving public health, and accommodating sustainability concerns, as well as the desire to pass world-leading legislation in itself. In each case, we show to what extent the particular political aim is typical of, or departs from, recent wider trajectories in the history and politics of menstruation, and, where pertinent, trajectories in Scottish political history. The ten agendas in their international context provide a kaleidoscopic insight into the current state of menstrual politics and history in Scotland and beyond. This introduction also situates this Special Collection as a whole in relation to the field of Critical Menstruation Studies and provides background information about the legislative process and key terminology in Scottish politics and in the history of menstruation.
Key Questions
What is groundbreaking about Scotland’s law on universal access to free period products?
Scotland’s law, passed in January 2021, is groundbreaking as it is the first in the world to legally guarantee universal access to free period products. This initiative represents a significant step in addressing menstrual equity, reducing stigma, and alleviating period poverty, while also reflecting broader societal and political shifts in the history of menstruation.
What political agendas supported the passage of this law?
The law gained broad political support by addressing ten key agendas: promoting gender equality for women and acknowledging gender diversity, alleviating poverty at a low cost, tackling menstrual stigma, improving access to education, collaborating with grassroots campaigners, enhancing public health, accommodating sustainability concerns, and the desire to pass world-leading legislation. These agendas reflect a combination of progressive and traditional values in menstrual politics.
How does this law align with or depart from historical trends in menstrual politics?
The law aligns with recent trends in menstrual politics by addressing issues like menstrual stigma, period poverty, and gender equality. However, it also departs from traditional approaches by legally mandating universal access to free period products, a move that is unprecedented globally and reflects Scotland’s progressive stance on social and health policies.
What role does grassroots activism play in the passage of this law?
Grassroots activism played a crucial role in shaping and supporting the law. Campaigners highlighted the realities of period poverty and stigma, bringing these issues to the forefront of political discourse. Their efforts ensured that the law addressed practical concerns while also symbolizing a broader commitment to social justice and equity.
What broader implications does this law have for menstrual politics globally?
Scotland’s law sets a precedent for other countries to address menstrual equity and period poverty through legislative action. It highlights the importance of integrating menstrual health into public health and social policy, while also challenging societal taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation. The law’s success demonstrates the potential for combining grassroots activism with political will to achieve transformative change.
How does this study contribute to the field of Critical Menstruation Studies?
This study situates Scotland’s law within the broader field of Critical Menstruation Studies by analyzing its historical, political, and social significance. It provides insights into the evolving politics of menstruation, the role of legislation in addressing menstrual equity, and the intersection of gender, health, and social justice in shaping public policy.
