Daughter circumcision and maternal life satisfaction: a cultural moderation effect revealed across two multicountry studies

Abstract

Introduction: The present paper assessed the relationship between maternal life satisfaction (MLS) and the intergenerational transmission of female genital cutting (FGC, female circumcision). It was hypothesised that the association would be more strongly positive in countries in which FGC is more prevalent (ie, culturally normative), suggesting a practice that is socially reinforcing within sociocultural contexts in which it is common.

Methods: Across two studies with more than 85 000 participants in 15 African and Asian countries, mothers completed surveys reporting on their own FGC experiences and those of their daughters' and on their educational history and socioeconomic status.

Results: The association between MLS and daughter circumcision was weak but positive for the full sample. Contrary to predictions, in countries in which FGC is uncommon, it was more positively associated with MLS, and in countries in which it is common, it was weakly or negatively associated with MLS.

Conclusion: Results are contrary to the notion that the intergenerational transmission of FGC is a function of happiness deriving from its cultural normativity. They suggest, instead, a diversity of social motives depending on cultural context. Customised messaging to reduce the intergenerational transmission of FGC is discussed.

Keywords: Child health; Health policy; Maternal health; Mental Health & Psychiatry; Public Health.

Figure 1

Maternal life satisfaction-daughter circumcision association by country-level daughter FGC frequency for Study 1. FGC, female genital cutting.

Figure 2

Maternal life satisfaction-daughter circumcision association by country-level daughter FGC frequency for Study 2. FGC, female genital cutting.