The Origins and Maintenance of Female Genital Modification across Africa

Human Nature • Vol/Iss. 27(2) • Springer US • • Published In • Pages: 173-200 •
By Ross, Cody T., Strimling, Pontus, Ericksen, Karen Paige, Lindenfors, Patrik, Mulder, Monique Borgerhoff

Abstract

The researchers develop and compare two evolutionary models to evaluate the association between social stratification and female genital modification(FGMo) in a cross-cultural African sample, theorizing that social hierarchy creates competition for high-value males in which FGMo acts as a costly demonstration of paternity certainty. Although the null model outperforms the stratification model when applied to empirical data, an association between FGMo and stratification is found in the expected direction. The authors suggest that while stratification may be an important factor in the de novo origins of FGMo, spread and persistence of the practice subsequently become more heavily dependent on other selective forces.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
OtherResearcher's own
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)Other researcher'sEricksen (1989)

Hypotheses (1)

HypothesisSupported
Social stratification will be associated with the origins and transmission of female genital modification. (174)Partially supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: jack.dunnington  emily.pitek