Paper short abstract:

FGM is a culture practice that gets its meaning inside a complex system of gender identity construction, community belonging and marriage strategies. The paper analyses how immigration can change for better or for worse a tradition that is still deeply felt in many African ethnic groups.

Paper long abstract:

Female genital mutilation (Fgm) which encompasses a range of procedures including the abrasion of the clitoris (sunna), the partial or total excision of the clitoris (clitoridectomy), and labia, and the stitching and narrowing of the vaginal orifice (infibulation), is a culture practice that gets its meaning inside a complex system of gender identity construction, community belonging and marriage strategies, based on the payment of the bride-price.

My research into Fgm in Italy aims to analyse how, and to what extent, immigration can change or at least influence, for better or for worse, existing attitudes, behaviour and value concerning a traditional practice that is still deeply ingrained in many African ethnic groups.

But I am also concern in the challenge that they represent for our respect of other bodies and other cultures without denying human rights statement.