Applying Anthropology to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

Bibliographic Data

ID7471817
AuthorsHannelore Van Bavel (0000-0002-6943-980X, University of Bristol, corresponding author), Margaret A Gibson (0000-0001-7963-4759, University of Bristol), Mhairi A Gibson (University of Bristol)
Year2026
Volume128
Issue1
Pages195-205
Publication date2026-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Anthropologist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-7294 • E-ISSN: 1548-1433
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/aman.70051
OpenAlexW7125795694
LanguageEN
References cited79

In this article, we review how anthropologies from various subdisciplines, from social to evolutionary anthropology, are contributing to our understanding of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). We focus on four key questions: What are the origins of FGM/C? What functions and meanings are linked to FGM/C? How does FGM/C persist and/or change? And how can anthropology inform policy and practice? We identify how anthropological research has challenged generalizations about FGM/C, showing how FGM/C practices and meanings vary between and within groups and can change, disappear, and reemerge, and that these practices are closely interlinked with other practices and institutions. Anthropologists have also shown that FGM/C is held in place by a range of factors and that social contacts can have significant influence on people's attitudes and behaviors. Finally, we highlight how anthropologists have also shown how anti‐FGM/C efforts can have unforeseen harmful consequences and have critically interrogated the international response to FGM/C, including the ethnocentrism in what is construed as harmful genital cutting

Ethnocentrism · Ethnography · Female circumcision · History of anthropology · Medical anthropology · Multidisciplinary approach · Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies · Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues · Genital Health and Disease

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