Research Outline: Female Genital Mutilation

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Introduction In the world of feminist research there is an assortment of issues that can be studied, many of which are sensitive topics. An issue we chose to focus our research on is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). We have found that more research needs to be conducted on FGM, and it should be done in a way that respects the rights of the individuals and the culture in which it is rooted and practiced. Throughout this paper we will discuss the practice of FGM, how we plan to research it, theoretical considerations, methodological considerations, ethical considerations, as well as our anticipated results. The use of the term mutilation, rather than possible substitutes (cutting, circumcision, ablation, etc.) has been a topic of debate for researchers and scholars alike. We decided to use mutilation, as we wanted to follow the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition. The WHO defines female genital mutilation as “all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons” (World Health Organization, 2013). This broad definition encompasses four types of operations: circumcision, excision, infibulation and intermediate (Dorkenoo & Elworthy, 2006). It is common for FGM to be practiced most commonly on infant and adolescence girls; we find this to be problematic as the girls do not have the ability to choose to undergo in the ritual of FGM, it is family members and community pressure that decide. Literature has shown that FGM is most prevalent in African countries, and often in unsafe conditions. However, this act has become more of a global issue, mainly because of immigration to outside countries, including Canada (Dorkenoo & Elworthy... ... middle of paper ... ...larsportal.info.proxy.bib.uottawa.ca/tmp/4833923679252551994.pdf Braddy, C. M., & Files, J. A. (2007). Female Genital Mutilation: Cultural Awareness and Clinical Considerations. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 52(2), 158-163. Crossman, A. (2013). Feminist Theory. Retrieved from: http://sociology.about.com/od/Sociological-Theory/a/Feminist-Theory.htm Dorkenoo, E., & Elworthy, S. (2006). Female genital mutilation: proposals for change (Rev. and updated ed.). London: Minority Rights Group. Resnik, D. B. U.S. Department of Health and Human Servies, (2011). What is ethics in research & why is it important?. Retrieved from National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences website: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/ World Health Organization. (2013). Female genital mutilation. Retrieved from: www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/

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