An exploration of the psycho-sexual experiences of women who have undergone female genital cutting: a case of the Maasai in Kenya

Abstract

The research explored the link between type II Female Genital Cutting (FGC) and sexual functioning. This thesis summary thus draws from an exploratory ethnographic field study carried out among the Maasai people of Kenya where type II FGC is still being practiced. A purposely sample consisting of 28 women and 19 men, within the ages of 15-80 years took part in individual interviews and 5 focus group discussions. Participants responded to open-ended questions, a method deemed appropriate to elicit insider's in-depth information. The study found out that one of the desired effects of FGC ritual among the Maasai was to reduce women's sexual desire, embodied as tamed sexuality. This consequence was however not experienced as an impediment to sexual function. The research established that esteeming transformational processes linked with the FGC 'rite of passage' are crucial in shaping a woman's femininity, identity, marriageable status and legitimating sexuality. In turn, these elements are imperative in inculcating and nurturing a positive body-self image and sex appeal and consequently, positive sexual self actualization. These finding brings to question the validity of conventional sexuality theory, particularly those that subscribe to bio-physical models as universal bases for understanding the subject of female sexual functioning among women with FGC. Socio-cultural-symbolic nexus and constructions of sexuality should also be considered when investigating psychosexual consequences of FGC.

Keywords: Female genital cutting; Maasai; female circumcision; psychosexual effects; sexual functioning.

Fig. 1. Batik Picture of Female Circumcision by Filex Jacobson, Sunset Art Studios, Arusha, Tanzania, Africa.

Fig. 2. A group of women after a focus group discussion. Research assistant (second left). Source: Field Survey by Esho 2008.

Fig. 3. The Social-Cultural-Symbolic Nexus in FGC: The Matrix of Vertical and Horizontal Loyalties among the Maasai. Source: T. Esho, P. Enzlin & S. Van Wolputte (submitted).

Fig. 4. Time series pictures showing the progression of the witnessed circumcision ceremony from the beginning to the end. Source: Field Survey by Esho 2008.