Female circumcision from Africa to the Americas: Slavery to the present

This paper traces the introduction of female circumcision into the Americas from Africa, from the time of the Atlantic slave trade to the present. It provides a review of the literature on the subjects of slavery, slave fertility and sexuality, slave medicine, as well as a review of current laws pas...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Social science journal (Fort Collins) 2005-01, Vol.42 (3), p.421-437
Main Author: Watson, Mary Ann
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Africa
Alternative Approaches
Cultural differences
Cultural Maintenance
Female circumcision
Fertility
Genital Mutilation
Immigration
Sexuality
Slavery
United States of America
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Summary:This paper traces the introduction of female circumcision into the Americas from Africa, from the time of the Atlantic slave trade to the present. It provides a review of the literature on the subjects of slavery, slave fertility and sexuality, slave medicine, as well as a review of current laws passed in the United States related to female circumcision. Interview material with a recent African immigrant to the United States who brings her ritual practice with her, documents an example of present-day circumcision practices in the United States. Various factors leading to the continuation or discontinuation of traditional African practices will be discussed. The desire for cultural and ethnic continuation of this practice exists among some individuals and groups amidst the controversy within the United States concerning “genital mutilation” and “genital cutting.” Medical, legal, sexological, historical, anthropological, and traditional African tribal consultation was provided for this research, adding a cross-disciplinary perspective to this topic of current interest. Graphs, maps, and anatomical illustrations provide pictorial support.
ISSN:0362-3319
1873-5355
DOI:10.1016/j.soscij.2005.06.006