Female Genital Cutting: Fundamentals, Social Expectations and Change

Bicchieri, Cristina and Marini, Annalisa (2015): Female Genital Cutting: Fundamentals, Social Expectations and Change.

Abstract

The paper studies the relationship between female genital cutting (FGC) dynamics, beliefs and fundamentals across African countries. Results show that social and economic conditions are worse in countries where FGC is practiced. However, if we consider the dynamics of FGC in those countries, there is no clear link between fundamentals and the abandonment of the practice. Instead, we find a significant correlation with social expectations and trust. Our findings support the implementation of bottom-up interventions aimed at changing social expectations.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Female genital cutting; Sexual and reproductive health; Social norms
• Subjects: C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C1 - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General > C13 - Estimation: General; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I0 - General; Z - Other Special Topics > Z1 - Cultural Economics ; Economic Sociology ; Economic Anthropology > Z13 - Economic Sociology ; Economic Anthropology ; Social and Economic Stratification; Z - Other Special Topics > Z1 - Cultural Economics ; Economic Sociology ; Economic Anthropology > Z18 - Public Policy

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