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Female Genital Mutilation: Fundamentals, Social Expectations and Change

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  • Bicchieri, Cristina
  • Marini, Annalisa

Abstract

The paper studies the relationship between female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) dynamics, social expectations and fundamentals across African countries. We show that socioeconomic conditions are overall worse in countries where FGM/C is practiced. Yet when we consider the dynamics of FGM/C within countries that perform it, there is no clear link between fundamentals and the decline of the practice. We find instead that FGM/C dynamics are strongly related to social expectations and social capital. Our findings have implications for policy interventions aimed at reducing FGM/C.

Suggested Citation

  • Bicchieri, Cristina & Marini, Annalisa, 2015. "Female Genital Mutilation: Fundamentals, Social Expectations and Change," MPRA Paper 67523, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:67523
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Female genital mutilation; Sexual and reproductive health; Social norms;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • I0 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • Z18 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Public Policy

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