Bridges and Barricades: Rethinking Polemics and Intransigence in the Campaign Against Female Circumcision

The author seeks to contribute to the debate on female circumcision by articulating perspectives that have been largely ignored. Although the author approves of a strong stand against the more physically harmful forms of female circumcision, she argues that it is problematic to prohibit all forms without understanding the significance of female circumcision to those who take part in it. She points out that female circumcision is of complex symbolic and functional value to both the communities where it is performed and the women on whom it is performed. The author argues that the negative Western reaction to female circumcision is based on a flawed interpretation of its purpose and significance. Looking at methods to contain female circumcision, the author rejects punitive responses as being ineffectual, counter-productive, and possibly harmful to women. The author examines the merits of alternative methods such as education and clinicisation. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - Female Genital Cutting, International]