Female genital mutilation (FGM) occurs in many parts of the world, especially in Africa. It is a cultural practice thought to have been established centuries ago, though its origins appear to have been lost in the past. International efforts to eliminate it also have a long history. As early as the 17th century, Christian missionaries and colonial administrations in Africa attempted to prevent the practice. Today, efforts to eradicate FGM are under way within and outside of practicing cultures.
This book discusses the definition and types of FGM and explores the common justifications for the practice, along with the incidence in Africa and other continents, global laws, legal issues, rights and religion. Ethical considerations are examined, as are progress and the role of culture. Personal interviews help to expand and enrich the discussion. The book concludes with thoughts on the movement from tradition to cultural evolution.

The late Rosemarie Skaine was a sociologist and lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Her writing interests included families and women’s issues.

Rosemarie Skaine
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 331
Bibliographic Info: photos, maps, tables, glossary, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2005
pISBN: 978-0-7864-2167-1
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      v

Preface      1

1. A Traditional Practice      7

2. Prevalence (with James C. Skaine)      35

3. Globalism and Law      57

4. Legal and Practical Issues in the West      80

5. Tradition and Change in Practicing Cultures      94

6. Challenging the Change and the Challenge of Change      125

7. The Maasai and Female Circumcision      151

8. Meeting the Challenge in Tanzania      171

9. The Changing Status      198

10. A Compendium of Change      215

Epilogue      223

Abbreviations and Glossary      225

Appendix 1: Overview of the Practice in Traditional Countries      229

Appendix 2: Law and Outreach      237

Appendix 3: Overview of the Practice in Industrialized Countries      247

Notes      253

Bibliography      281

Index      299

“excellent, thorough reference work…highly recommended”—Feminist Collections; “well-researched…important reading”—Midwifery Today.