Thesis (Ph. D.)--Georgia State University, 2005. / Title from title screen. Sarah Cook, committee chair; Martha Foster, Nadine Kaslow, Julia Perilla, committee members. Electronic text (96 p.) : digital, PDF file. Description based on contents viewed May 31, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 73-83).

There is an adverse reaction to the practice of female circumcision in the West. This study investigates the adverse reaction to reveal the public discourse on female circumcision as one that is gendered. Using a critical discourse analysis, the study examines the body of Western discourses to explore the reproduction of system of gender hierarchy in the discourse. Guided by a theoretical analysis of the ‘private’/’public' divide through which feminine and masculine power is enforced, the study exposes ways in which similar power relation is sustained in the body of Western discourses on female circumcision. The study applies a textual analysis inquiring the language use of the Fran Hosken report and policy statements originating from the United States, United Kingdome, and international organizations. Using various themes that emerged during the textual analysis, the study deconstructs the body of Western discourses on female circumcision and presents the construction of femininity and masculinity. The findings suggest the discursive application of control and power grounded in rationality, science, knowledge and ways of being.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-123).

Thesis (M.A.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2001. / Bibliography: leaves 141-152.

Abstract In recent decades there has been increased immigration to New Zealand of women from East Africa. These countries have the highest prevalence rates (between 90-97%) of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) worldwide. FGM therefore has become part of the care experience of some New Zealand health providers. Information on FGM is available on the New Zealand Ministry of Health website. This study captures the experience of a group of East African women in Christchurch who have undergone FGM and given birth in Christchurch Hospitals. Two focus groups, each with ten women, were held so that women could talk about their health services experience. A narrative approach was adopted, listening to their stories in order to explore, to gain insight and to understand how these women felt during reproductive and antenatal care, childbirth and after childbirth. Interviews with three health providers sought their experiences of caring for women with FGM. The study identifies diverse potential explanations with the focus group members telling their stories and identifying issues related to FGM. Several short case histories are presented to illustrate these experiences. The thematic analysis reported four themes: satisfaction with clinical care, concern about infibulation, barriers to knowledge for women, and problems of cross-cultural communication. Health providers reported similar issues, with themes related to their own clinical experience, knowledge gaps, and need for greater cultural understanding and communication. These themes reflect the journey of the East African women with FGM in Christchurch and the challenges faced by them and their providers. This research recommends that women with FGM receive more education and support to manage their relationships with the health system and their own health. Health providers need continuing education and further support in the psychosocial, psychological and physical health needs of East African women living in Christchurch. Service outcomes should be evaluated.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Northeastern University, 2008. / Title from title page (viewed April 1, 2007). Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Law, Policy & Society Program. Includes bibliographical references (p. 199-209).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1998. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [161]-180).

Diplomarbeit--Universität, Wien, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 161-166).

Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-116).

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-116) Also available in print.