The Practice Of Female Genital Mutilation In Esan Land Of Edo State, Nigeria: A Sociological Analysis
Keywords:
effect, Esan land, female genital mutilationAbstract
This paper attempted a sociological analysis of the practice of FGM in the society. It is the contention of the paper, that FGM though a harmful practice, is deeply rooted in the culture of the societies where it is practiced. Two hundred and ten women participated in the study and Focus Group Discussion and in-depth interview were used to collect information from the respondents. Some of the findings of this study are that FGM is deeply rooted in the culture of many societies, many factors ranging from cultural to religious beliefs help to perpetrate the practice, most of the respondents are not conscious of the harmful effects of FGM in the society and are not aware of any legislation outlawing the practice of FGM in the society. It is the suggestion of this paper, that any effort geared towards the eradication of FGM in the society, should be holistic and integrative. Such a holistic and eclectic approach to the eradication of FGM in the society should be culture based.
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