Female genital mutilation (2003)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Bransfield Elizabeth
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To provide a comprehensive overview of its medical and health implications,its definitions,and the debate ranging around the practice in anthropological,developmental,theoretical and feminist perspectives. Secondly,the propagation of the practice within immigrant communities
Study Population: Relied on legal cases
Findings: The study showed that FGM/C is no longer confined to the 23 African countries where it has been prevalent for centuries but commonly practiced among certain African migrants in Western settings where legislation prohibits it. Arguments abound as to its precise roots: male domination in a patriarchal society played an important part,yet so does the propagation of the practice by women themselves,and the fact that the practice has been transplanted abroad with a modicum of success. Claims of the practice’s importance as a cultural signifier neglect to consider the core significance of FGM – mutilation. The second case study shows,many second generation immigrant children no longer undergo the ordeal of mutilation,as the pressure of the old society ease in their new environments. Nor do African countries sit still: if once there were accusations of Western ideology and colonialist forces behind the opposition to FGM (causing much resentment) now it is Africans themselves,from grassroots level and up to government itself,which are fighting to eradicate the process – by means of education,as well as law
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Not specified
Country(ies):Not specified