Anthropolgy, a Study About the Determination of a Tribe to Continue with Female Circumcision, in Spite of Documented Dangers

An essay about process and actual types of female circumcision and the social reasons for clinging to this practice in villages in Kenya and the work Ellen Gruenbaum is doing to try and change attitudes.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2

2. Types of circumcision and procedure 2

3. Social Reasons 3

4. Ellen Gruenbaum’s recommendation for dealing with them at policy and organisational levels 6

5. Conclusion 7

Bibliography 8

1. Introduction

Researchers believe that Female circumcision originated in Africa. According to (Heitman, 2000), “Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice that started in Africa approximately 2000 years ago”. Female circumcision has been renamed FGC (Female Genital Mutilation). “Technically this is more accurate, as it implies the removal / damage to healthy tissue or organs”. (Gruenbaum, E. 2005:481) in (Herselman & Wouters 2010:183).

This custom is practiced in 28 different African Countries as well as the following countries; (Brettell, CB and Sargent (2005:446) in Herselman & Wouters 2010:182) the Middle East, parts of Asia, North America, Latin America and Europe. It is estimated that around 135 million girls and women (between 40 and 90%) have undergone circumcision. (Heitman, 2000) The estimate is that up to five million girls are put at risk each year when they are circumcised. (Yoder 2003, in Gruenbaum, E. 2005 in Herselman & Wouters. 2010:182).

The practice of Female Circumcision is so integral to many cultures that it is more than just a ritual; it defines the very nature, identity and future of women in these cultures.

In this essay I will be discussing the process and actual types of circumcision, the social reasons for clinging to this practice as well as the recommendations made by Ellen Gruenbaum to work toward changing attitudes.

2. Types of circumcision and procedure

The belief that circumcision is necessary to ensure the ‘rite of passage’ into womanhood...