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 social stratification.

Note

This is tested against each of the GM/C variables. Proxy variables for social stratification are the presence of classes, castes, chiefdoms, and states. Castes are included in every model, classes are included in all FGM/C models except for clitoridectomy and none of the MGM/C models, and chiefdoms and states are included in each of the MGM/C models but none of the FGM/C models. The correlated evolution model shows that GM/C is more likely to develop in societies with castes.

Test

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

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
CastesUNKNOWNCastes
ExcisionUNKNOWNBody Alterations
ClassesUNKNOWNClasses
ClitoridectomyUNKNOWNBody Alterations
InfibulationUNKNOWNBody Alterations
Male circumcisionUNKNOWNBody Alterations
SuperincisionUNKNOWNBody Alterations
ChiefdomsUNKNOWNTerritorial Hierarchy
StatesUNKNOWNTerritorial Hierarchy
Female genital mutilation/cuttingUNKNOWNBody Alterations
Male genital mutilation/cuttingUNKNOWNBody Alterations