The essay provides insights to further emphasize the importance of an alternative conceptualization of female circumcision that could overcome the still unsolved conundrum of a legislative ban that potentially perpetuates gender inequality. While law condemns the practice as a form of violence against women, the number of circumcisions does not drastically decline. In addition, we witness several women and girls wanting to undergo female circumcision: a phenomenon that some activists (and some scholars) attempt to portray in the wider frame of the right to self-determination and cultural identity. Hence, questions arise as to what alternatives can be recommended other than universal prohibition or uncritical acceptance.
Female circumcision. Universal prohibition or uncritical acceptance. Somewhere in between?
Giorgia Decarli
2020-01-01
Abstract
The essay provides insights to further emphasize the importance of an alternative conceptualization of female circumcision that could overcome the still unsolved conundrum of a legislative ban that potentially perpetuates gender inequality. While law condemns the practice as a form of violence against women, the number of circumcisions does not drastically decline. In addition, we witness several women and girls wanting to undergo female circumcision: a phenomenon that some activists (and some scholars) attempt to portray in the wider frame of the right to self-determination and cultural identity. Hence, questions arise as to what alternatives can be recommended other than universal prohibition or uncritical acceptance.
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