Total Length: 1893 words ( 6 double-spaced pages)
Total Sources: 4
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3. Conclusion
From a sociological perspective female genital mutilation is a phenomenon that can be understood in terms of the male-orientated and patriarchal structure of the societies in which it occurs. What also has to be taken into account in an analysis of this social and cultural practice is that it persist due to the socialization process in these countries which tend to normalize and legitimize aspect such as female circumcision.
Condemnation of female genital mutilation is increasing from many Western countries and criticism is based on medical and human rights issues. From a different perspective others argue that FGM should be understood and accepted in terms of cultural relativity and the particular structure and makeup of these societies. This relativistic approach is however condemned by many sociologists. As one writer comments, "I find female genital mutilation to be deplorable; it is worse to look the other way in the name of relativism than to stand against this wrong, as countless girls around the world are stripped of their physical well-being and dignity…" (White). This is a view that many commentators have adopted. The practice of female genital mutilation is one that does not adhere to the standards of human equality and rights in the contemporary world.References
Ahlberg B. et al. (2000) Gender masked or self-inflicted pain: female circumcision, eradication and persistence in Central Kenya. African Sociological Review, 4, (1), 2000.pp. 35-54
Dzhantam W. (2005) Views on Female Circumcision: Rite of Passage or Violation of Rights. Retrieved April 30, 2009, from http://www.eportfolio.lagcc.cuny.edu/ePortfolios/Basic/dzhantam.warrenREV/resources/33521.doc
Genital Mutilation. Retrieved April 30, 2009, from http://www.answers.com/topic/genital-modification-and-mutilation
Horsfall S. (2000) FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION AND ASSOCIATED GENDER
AND POLITICAL ISSUES AMONG THE SABINY OF UGANDA. Retrieved April 30, 2009, from http://web.txwesleyan.edu/sociology/horsfall/FGMPaper.html
Hosken F.P. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Retrieved April 30, 2009, from http://www.feminist.com/resources/artspeech/inter/fgm.htm
Lee S. Female Genital Mutilation. Retrieved April 30, 2009, from http://www.blackwellreference.com/public/tocnode?id=g9781405124331_chunk_g978140512433112_ss1-31
Mugenzi, Joan. (1998) "Killing Women's Sexuality." The New Vision. December 15,
White A. In Defense of Ethnocentrism: An Examination of Female Genital Mutilation
Retrieved April 30, 2009, from http://74.125.77.132/search?q=cache:e9c0kp8gqOIJ:www.gwu.edu/~uwp/fyw/euonymous/2005-2006/06-whitefinal.pdf+sociological+theory+and+female+circumcision&cd=28&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=za&client=firefox-a.....