Female Genital Mutilation
The practice of female genital mutilation shows the differences in the way gender roles and expectations are shaped by society. Since this has been happening for a very long time, we can see how different societies have formed common beliefs that shape the way girls and women are expected to behave if they want to have fair treatment and gain the respect of their community by seeking the approval of a man for marriage. Even though this practice seems drastic, bizarre, and undoubtedly cruel and inhumane to some, it is viewed by others as a necessity for a successful, quality life.
The cultural practice gets passed down through generations. It is often the grandmothers, mothers, midwives, and nurses that perform the procedure, which demonstrates the feminization of preparing oneself for marriage. Cultural norms prevent young girls and women who don't want to be mutilated and fear the pain they'll have to go through, but do so anyways because they know that if they don't, they will be rejected by their family and community because their society will see them as being unfit for marriage.
The cultural practice gets passed down through generations. It is often the grandmothers, mothers, midwives, and nurses that perform the procedure, which demonstrates the feminization of preparing oneself for marriage. Cultural norms prevent young girls and women who don't want to be mutilated and fear the pain they'll have to go through, but do so anyways because they know that if they don't, they will be rejected by their family and community because their society will see them as being unfit for marriage.
