Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/282165 
Year of Publication: 
2023
Series/Report no.: 
Discussion Paper No. 474
Publisher: 
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München und Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Collaborative Research Center Transregio 190 - Rationality and Competition, München und Berlin
Abstract: 
Social pressure and stigma can hinder the adoption of available technologies, especially in the context of sensitive health issues. We run a field experiment on the take-up of menstrual products in Bangladesh and test a discussion-based intervention in a work setting. We vary participation in group discussions designed to break the silence around menstruation, where colleagues share their personal experiences. We find positive effects on the willingness to pay for a known menstrual product (sanitary pads) and on the adoption of a new technology (anti-bacterial menstrual underwear). Our results show changes in restrictive social norms around purchasing the products and lower perceived stigma around menstruation in general.
Subjects: 
social norms
social pressure
stigma
technology adoption
group discussions
menstrual health management
menstrual hygiene
adverse health behavior
JEL: 
D91
I12
I15
O12
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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