Global phylogenetic analysis reveals multiple origins and correlates of genital mutilation/cutting

Nature Human Behavior • Vol/Iss. 6 • Nature • • Published In • Pages: 635-645 •
By Šaffa, Gabriel, Zrzavý, Jan, Duda, Pavel

Hypothesis

Genital mutilation/cutting is associated with more restrictions on sexual behavior.

Note

This is tested for each form of GM/C. Proxy variables for sexual behavior are prohibitions on extramarital sex (SCCS only), sex norms, and male segregation. Restrictions on extramarital sex are shown to be associated with all forms of GM/C, sex norms are associated with FGM/C and all of its subgroups (but not with MGM/C), and male segregation is associated with MGM/C and all of its subgroups (but not FGM/C). Correlated evolution models show that sex norms emerge more often or are more stable in the presence of GM/C, but may not be its cause.

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Phylogenetic logistic regression, Correlated evolutionPartially Supported (see note)UNKNOWNUNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
ExcisionUNKNOWNBody Alterations
Extramarital SexUNKNOWNExtramarital Sex Relations, Sex And Marital Offenses
Sex NormsUNKNOWNSex And Marital Offenses, Premarital Sex Relations
ClitoridectomyUNKNOWNBody Alterations
InfibulationUNKNOWNBody Alterations
Male circumcisionUNKNOWNBody Alterations
SuperincisionUNKNOWNBody Alterations
Male segregationUNKNOWNSettlement Patterns
Female genital mutilation/cuttingUNKNOWNBody Alterations
Male genital mutilation/cuttingUNKNOWNBody Alterations