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 the presence of co-wives living separately.

Note

This is tested for each form of GM/C, and is included in all of the models, showing that co-wives living separately is associated with every form of GM/C. Correlated evolution models show that all types of GM/C are more likely to evolve in societies in which co-wives reside separately.

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Phylogenetic logistic regression, Correlated evolutionSupportedUNKNOWNUNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
ExcisionUNKNOWNBody Alterations
ClitoridectomyUNKNOWNBody Alterations
InfibulationUNKNOWNBody Alterations
Male circumcisionUNKNOWNBody Alterations
SuperincsionUNKNOWNBody Alterations
Co-wives living seperatelyUNKNOWNHousehold, Polygamy
Female genital mutilation/cuttingUNKNOWNBody Alterations
Male genital mutilation/cuttingUNKNOWNBody Alterations