Why is FGM/C practiced?
Drawing upon recent literature reviews and peer reviewed publications on FGM/C (Berg & Dension, 2013; Brady & Files, 2007; Gele et al. 2013; Imoh, 2013; Reig Alcaraz et al. 2014; Vloeberghs et al. 2012) I have listed below the disparate and prevailing beliefs that may account for why FGM/C continues to be practised, as well as reasons why individuals and communities may support the discontinuation of FGM/C.
Factors favoring the continuation of FGM/C
Social pressure (see social norms approach)
Preservation of women’s virginity
Aesthetics
Male preference and increased sexual pleasure for men
To preserve a women’s dignity and honour and avoid shame on entire family
Pre-requisite for marriage
Cultural conformity: Tradition and Religion (although it is not dictated by any religion)
Hygiene and assumed health benefits
Lack of knowledge about the practice of health care professionals
Discrimination, marginalisation, lack of trust
Poor communication
Lack of respect for women’s privacy
Language difficulties
Factors favoring the discontinuation of FGM/C
Knowledge of the dangers
Media publicity
Discussions with family members, community, friends, religious institutions
Health concerns and consequences: problems during pregnancy and childbirth
Negative personal experience including loss of sexual pleasure
Impact on mental health
The husband is against it
Law of the country of residence*
*Where FGM/C is punishable by law, new attitudes towards the eradication of FGM/C are adopted in the women’s place of residence. Dustin (2004) argues that in the UK efforts to reduce FGM/C have focused on punitive legislation without sufficiently empowering women in the communities concerned to engage in debate to change attitudes and create alternative ways of affirming their cultural identity.
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