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Title:
Female circumcision : the interplay of religion, culture, and gender in Kenya / Mary Nyangweso Wangila.
Author:
Wangila, Mary Nyangweso.
Publication Information:
Maryknoll, N.Y. : Orbis Books, c2007.
Call Number:
GN659 .K4 W34 2007
Abstract:
"A Kenyan woman theologian examines arguments for and against the controversial practice of female circumcision. Based on interviews with 50 Kenyan women representing Christianity, Islam, African Initiated Churches, and traditional religion, Wangila emphasizes the importance of understanding the gender relationships and cultural beliefs behind the practice and the important role played by religion. Wangila calls for eradication of the practice to carefully designed educational efforts sensitive to religious and cultural beliefs."
ISBN:
9781570757105
Series:
Women from the margins

Women from the margins series.
Physical Description:
xv, 206 p. : map ; 21 cm.
Contents:
Foreword / Mercy Amba Oduyoye -- The controversy -- What is female circumcision? -- What is at stake? -- The centrality of religion -- Organization of the book -- Religion and the social behavior of Kenyans -- The social structure of Kenyan communities -- The social status of women -- Female circumcision in Kenya: an overview -- Religion and the social behavior -- Religions in Kenya -- The debate over female circumcision -- The debate over terminology -- Reasons for female circumcision -- The functioning of patriarchal systems -- Women's sexuality and female circumcision -- Opposition to female circumcision -- The insider/outsider conflict -- Strategies to combat female circumcision -- Sexuality, gender, and religion in Kenya -- Gender and sexuality -- The control of sexuality -- Religion and female sexuality -- Summary -- Religion and female circumcision -- The religious origins of female circumcision -- How religion sanctions female circumcision -- How indigenous beliefs determine female circumcision -- Islam and female circumcision -- Christianity and female circumcision -- Transforming attitudes toward female circumcision -- The reality of social change in Kenya -- Religion as liberative -- African feminist hermeneutics -- Religious sources for transformation: a brief illustration -- Conclusion and recommendations.
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