Menstrual Math: The Price of Bleeding

Author

Gabrielle Langston, CUNY Graduate CenterFollow

Date of Degree

6-2025

Document Type

Master's Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Science

Program

Data Analysis & Visualization

Advisor

Ellie Frymire

Subject Categories

Education Economics | Finance | Health Economics | Health Law and Policy | Labor Economics | Law and Economics | Law and Politics | Legislation | Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Sexuality and the Law

Keywords

Menstrual Equity, Gender Equity, Period Poverty, Social Justice, United States

Abstract

This project examines the landscape of menstrual equity in the United States through a data storytelling lens, focusing on state-level policies regarding taxation and access to menstrual products. The analysis explores which states impose sales tax on menstrual products, if state schools provide free menstrual products, and which states ensure access for incarcerated individuals using publicly available datasets from advocacy groups. Additionally, there is an investigation into potential correlations between the gender wage gap and states that tax menstrual products, shedding light on economic and policy disparities.

Through its data visualizations, this project aims to provide a clear, although not full-encompassing, data-driven perspective on menstrual equity and inform policy discussions on gender-based economic justice.

The project is available for review at public.tableau.com/app/profile/gabrielle.langston/viz/TamponTaxProject/Story1.

Comments

Online component: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/gabrielle.langston/viz/TamponTaxProject/Story1

Recommended Citation

Langston, Gabrielle, "Menstrual Math: The Price of Bleeding" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6297