ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a gesture toward the general aims of the study by Babajide et al. It intends to “identify why female genital mutilation (FGM) [has] persisted in affected communities in the UK despite existing laws and initiatives to prevent [it].” The chapter addresses this significant topic to show how the practice is indeed embedded in social norms, thereby making clear the potential impact of community-level involvement. The problem becomes the more severe when the practice is performed on female minors. Members of affected communities might be constrained by ill-health due to FGM, be influenced by legislation designed to punish perpetrators, or prove susceptible to other kinds of messaging intended to abolish the tradition. The choice to ablate genitalia is rooted not primarily in the individual but in social networks and culture. Voluntary immigrants’ fundamental motivation is to pursue a better life.
