Reconsidering the Role of Patriarchy in Female Genital Modifications

A series of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to female genital modification and the critiques of the patriarchy hypothesis.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power, dominating in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

Female Genital Modification

Cultural practices that involve altering the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, often associated with societal norms and customs.

SGM

Selective genital modifications refer to cultural practices that may involve genital cutting, which is socially constructed and often gendered.

WHO

The World Health Organization, often cited as an authority on health issues, including the classification of female genital mutilation (FGM).

Social Double Standard

A set of principles applied to different individuals or groups regarding their behavior, particularly concerning sexual activity and societal expectations.

Cultural Imperialism

The practice of promoting one culture over others, often associated with the influence of Western nations on other cultures.

Rites of Passage

Ceremonial events marking important transitional periods in a person's life, particularly sociocultural markers for reaching adulthood.

Counter-Patriarchal

Practices or beliefs that resist or negate patriarchal values or structures, often empowering marginalized groups.

Gender Asymmetry

Unequal treatment or status of individuals based on their gender, typically where one gender is favored over another.

Infibulation

A form of female genital modification that narrows the vaginal opening by cutting and repositioning the labia.

Cultural Heterogeneity

The presence of multiple distinct cultural groups within a society with different customs, beliefs, and practices.

Integrity of the Body

The concept that individuals have rights over their own bodies and the ethical considerations regarding any modifications or surgeries.

Medicalization

The process by which a practice or condition is defined and treated as a medical issue, often involving healthcare professionals.

Community Bonding

The strengthening of social ties between members of a community, often through shared cultural practices or rituals.