Female genital mutilation: an overview.
The literature on female genital mutilation (also known as female circumcision) within a feminist theoretical context is discussed. Issues of culture, politics and religion in the literature will be examined in relation to feminist thought and the paper will also assess the effects of female genital mutilation on women's health and status within developing societies. Parallels with other similar practices in developed and developing countries will be drawn and policy strategies discussed.
Wright
J
J
Southern Area College of Nursing, Craigavon Area Hospital, Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019093:Circumcision, Female / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000208:ethnology*; D003469:Culture; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008393:Marriage; D011247:Pregnancy; D012071:Religion and Sex; D012945:Social Values