Socio‐cultural dynamics of female genital cutting: Research findings, gaps, and directions

2005/09/01 by Ellen Gruenbaum · 2 citations
Medicine · Social Sciences · #Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues #Genital Health and Disease #Law in Society and Culture

paper · doi:10.1080/13691050500262953

openalex publication_date 2005/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29

Abstract

The goal of abolishing female genital cutting (FGC, or also FGM or 'female circumcision') requires that the socio-cultural dynamics of the practice be well understood if behavioural change is to be accomplished. This paper, based on the literature and the author's ethnographic research in Sudan, reports on the research issues of studying the variation in and complexity of cutting practices and their cultural correlates, arguing for multiple approaches and methods. It highlights directions for future research.

Citations

• female genital mutilation, fertility control, women's roles, and the patrilineage in modern Sudan: a functional analysis1

Cited by

• Female Genital Mutilation: What Every American Dermatologist Needs to Know
• Female genital mutilation [wikipedia]