Male genital mutilation: an adaptation to sexual conflict

Evolution and Human Behavior • Vol/Iss. 29 • Published In • Pages: 149-164 •
By Wilson, Christopher G.

Abstract

This article examines the "sexual conflict" hypothesis which predicts that male genital mutilation should be associated with polygyny and a reduction in the frequency of extramarital sex. Male genital mutilation (MGM) rituals should be highly public and facilitate access to social benefits. Support for these assumptions is provided.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesHypotheses 5-6
Probability Sample Files (PSF)Hypotheses 5-6, Overlap with eHRAF
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)Hypotheses 1-4
World Cultures JournalOther ResearchersMGM codes

Hypotheses (8)

HypothesisSupported
Polygyny is positively associated with male genital mutilation (153-154)Supported
Polygyny is positively associated with female genital mutilation (153-154)Supported
Separate residence of co-wives is positively associated with male genital mutilation (153-154)Supported
Extramarital sex is positively associated with polygyny risk factor (153-154)Supported
Mutilated men are associated with social and sexual privilege; unmutilated men are associated with social and sexual sanction (154)Supported
Operators will be unrelated to male undergoing mutilation (154)Not Supported
Scarification will be associated with external warfare (154)UNKNOWN
Male genital mutilation is associated with external warfare (154)UNKNOWN
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Jessie Cohen