Socio-cultural Influence and Patriarchal Control: Examining Religious and Historical Aspects of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in 21st Century Egyptian Society
Location
Ponderosa Room B
Presentation Type
Presentation
Presentation Topic
Religion, History, Arts and Humanities
Start Date
6-3-2026 11:15 AM
Event Sort Order
26
Abstract
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a form of gender based violence continually perpetuated in Egypt based on religious beliefs and cultural tradition. Deeply entrenched in patriarchal structures, FGM/C is a manifestation of gender inequality permitted to continue by historical and religious societal aspects. This interpretive work identifies social and cultural factors that have aided in defining FGM/C as a religious requirement and allowed for its widespread prevalence. It has been undertaken to better understand the large role Islamic and Christian religions have played in the continuation of the practice. Most Egyptian girls undergo FGM/C on the basis of religion and culture; thus, it is imperative to examine how these factors have evolved and influenced the practice in modern-day society. This reinterpretation aims to contribute to the academic field of history while using literature review and textual analysis to collate source material. Knowledge activities undertaken to produce this interpretive work include detailed reading and close examination of primary and secondary sources, along with sacred texts from the Qur’an and the Bible. The outcome of this work demonstrates how FGM/C has been misconstrued in Islam and Christianity as a practice rooted in and required by such religions. Aspiring to control female sexuality, patriarchal structures in Egypt have historically created socio-cultural factors hidden under the guise of religion to ensure the practice of FGM/C.
Socio-cultural Influence and Patriarchal Control: Examining Religious and Historical Aspects of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in 21st Century Egyptian Society
Ponderosa Room B
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a form of gender based violence continually perpetuated in Egypt based on religious beliefs and cultural tradition. Deeply entrenched in patriarchal structures, FGM/C is a manifestation of gender inequality permitted to continue by historical and religious societal aspects. This interpretive work identifies social and cultural factors that have aided in defining FGM/C as a religious requirement and allowed for its widespread prevalence. It has been undertaken to better understand the large role Islamic and Christian religions have played in the continuation of the practice. Most Egyptian girls undergo FGM/C on the basis of religion and culture; thus, it is imperative to examine how these factors have evolved and influenced the practice in modern-day society. This reinterpretation aims to contribute to the academic field of history while using literature review and textual analysis to collate source material. Knowledge activities undertaken to produce this interpretive work include detailed reading and close examination of primary and secondary sources, along with sacred texts from the Qur’an and the Bible. The outcome of this work demonstrates how FGM/C has been misconstrued in Islam and Christianity as a practice rooted in and required by such religions. Aspiring to control female sexuality, patriarchal structures in Egypt have historically created socio-cultural factors hidden under the guise of religion to ensure the practice of FGM/C.
Presenter Bio
Chloe Gotes (she/they) recently graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) with her Bachelor of Arts in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. After receiving their bachelor's degree, they began their journey in the Museum Studies master's program at UCO. While pursuing their master's degree, they simultaneously co-manage The Women's Research and BGLTQ+ Student Center on UCO's campus. When Chloe isn’t busy with her studies or work, she does her best to be involved with the campus community, whether it be through UCO's Phi Alpha Theta chapter or UCO's National Organization for Women. Chloe's academic research has explored lesbian activism during the AIDS epidemic and the evolution of vulva beauty ideals; their work has been presented nationally and regionally at conferences, including the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and the International Gender and Sexuality Studies. In the future, Choe hopes to do public history work centered on Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.