Type | Journal Article - Sociology Study |
Title | Men’s Perspectives on the Relationship Between Sexuality and Female Genital Mutilation in Egypt |
Author(s) | |
Volume | 3 |
Issue | 2 |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2013 |
Page numbers | 104-113 |
Abstract | This paper addresses men’s perspectives on the relationship between female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and women’s sexuality in Egypt with the purpose of studying how men and women see a relationship between FGM/C and sexual life. The study used qualitative methods and was conducted in three sites. Men saw FGM/C as the key to ensuring women’s sexual morality, and considered FGM/C as the key to controlling sexual relationships. Men were reported to increasingly take part in the decision‐making about daughters’ FGM/C. In men’s view, FGM/C reduces female sex drive and thereby keeps girls chaste before marriage and women faithful during marriage. Men wholeheartedly support FGM/C for these reasons. However, others are ambivalent due to a concern that the practice might have negative consequences on their own sexuality as a consequence of a negative effect on their wives’ sexual feelings. The study concludes that men’s role is important and that they should be involved in community activities against the practice. It also concludes that without comprehensive sexuality education, men will continue to hold on to the misconceptions that FGM/C has a positive effect on women’s sexual morality through reducing their sexual desire. |
» | Egypt, Arab Rep. - Interim Demographic and Health Survey 2003 |