The Influence of Cultural and Economic Factors on the Tampon Market in China

Abstract

Menstrual health has increasingly gained recognition in public views, being recognized as a public health and human rights issue, and influencing the newer generation to make changes in this aspect. This paper argues how cultural norms and economic factors guided the development of the tampon market in China. The findings suggest that the suppression for consumer demand of tampons is due to the cultural taboos surrounding menstruation, combined with misinformation and limited menstrual education. These cultural factors are further enforced by pricing disparities, limited product availability, and conservative corporate marketing strategies. The cultural and economic constraints collectively sustain a low demand for tampons and reached an equilibrium in the Chinese market, proving that economic barriers could not fully explain the underdevelopment of the market. By highlighting the interactions of the cultural and economic forces, the paper contributes to deeper discussions on menstrual equity, consumer behaviors in taboo markets, and the role of businesses and public institutions in addressing menstrual health inequalities.