Female Genital Mutilation: Why Does It Continue To Be A Social And Cultural Force?

This thesis explores factors contributing to the persistence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among Somalis in the Diaspora and in Somalia. Starting with an extensive review of the literature, I identify possible critical factors that sustain FGM. I proceeded to test those factors from the literature against observations from members of the second largest Somali diaspora community in the United States, namely, Columbus, Ohio. Specifically, I organized three focus groups for discussion and analysis, two comprising women and one comprising males. Among the women's groups, one group comprised younger women and the other older women. As for the men's group, they were of a broad range in age. A major finding from the study is that Somali diasporans who believe that FGM is derived from Islamic doctrine are more inclined to advocate for its continuation whereas those diasporans who do not associate FGM with Islam are more likely to advocate for the eradication of FGM.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Sociology

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Toledo

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Abubakar, Nasra

Contributors dc:contributor

• Patterson, Rubin

• Sociology
• Female Genital Mutilation
• Female Circumcision
• Somali Diaspora

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1353112338

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:toledo1353112338