Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the operation of infibulations and outlines indigenous and academic explanations for this practice. It delineates the geographic and demographic distribution of this practice, presenting reasons for its proliferation across the pastoral-rural-urban continuum. The book then considers die "closedness" of Islamic northeastern African societies and considers infibulations in this context. It also outlines the methodological approach chosen (HOMALS), and provides information about the study and control samples, together with the total variables found to be associated with infibulations. The book analyzes the sociocultural variables that were found to be associated with infibulations. It then considers the future of infibulations. The very idea of female genital operations is abhorrent to all except those for whom such operations constitute a valued tradition. Governments have often taken a formal stand against all or selected female genital operations practiced within their national boundaries.