The Impact of Female Genital Mutilation on Young Adults in Newham, UK

Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments. This report examines FGM's impact on young adults in Newham.

How does female genital mutilation affect young adults in
Newham?
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Table of Contents
2. Introduction..................................................................................................................................3
Literature Review............................................................................................................................6
3. Study Methods...........................................................................................................................10
4. Ethical Consideration.................................................................................................................14
5. Other Consideration...................................................................................................................14
Reference List................................................................................................................................16
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2. Introduction
2.1 Introduction
In contemporary society several improper practices are present that hampers not only a physical
being but it also affects minds of people from different ager group. Female genital mutilation
(FGM) is a medical procedure through which female genitals are cut down deliberately
otherwise changed without any kind of medical reasons. It is mentioned in a recent report that
this practice among women from different regions has been seen in huge number in context of
UK. This study will highlight issues of FGM and its effects on young and adult female in context
Newham UK.
2.2 Background of the Research
In medical reports, it is seen that outcome of this process is very much problematic for female as
it leads to different kinds of difficulties such as long term harms to bodies of women, issues
regarding sex and problems of childbirth (nhs.uk, 2016). In context of UK, this practice is illegal
and it is included in the context of child abasement case as this practice is mainly done to
children from the age group between infancy to 15.
According to the report of NHS, there are mainly three kinds of practices regarding FGM is seen
which have different processes to do it. Type 1 is named as clitoridectomy which is done by
removing parts of clitoris. On the other hand, type 2 FGM is done by removing all of clitoris and
parts of inner labia. Type 3 is named as infibulation where vaginal opening is narrowed down
by using seals and other methods. On the other hand, there are other such practices available in
context of the UK such as piercing and burning the area which is illegal and strictly prohibited
(nhs.uk, 2016).
Not only physical pain but it is seen that the practice of FGM has long-term effects on the mental
condition of children regardless of any community. According to the report of the NHS, FGM
can cause depression to children and adults because of certain physical issues which have huge
impact regarding the growth of a child. On the other hand, anxiety issue is also seen among
several victims which are one of the main concerns among health care practitioners. Other issues
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such as sleeping issue, flashbacks and nightmares of the incident also reported being witnessed
by victims in different contexts.
In contemporary societies of Newham, these incidents are the main issue through which both
young and adult female of the locality are affected. Focus of this research work is to identify
different issues regarding the effects of FGM and it will also introduce certain mitigation
strategies through which such issue in the society can be decreased.
2.3 Research Rationale
In contemporary society practice of FGM is an issue as it has huge effects on physical health of a
woman. According to the report of NHS, FGM can introduce issues of having sex as healthcare
professionals mentioned several issues regarding sex. On the other hand, in several cases, certain
issues regarding pregnancy also have been seen because of this improper practice as women have
seen issues to conceive. Issues while childbirth is not a rare incident in the case of FGM
(independent.co.uk, 2018).
In context of UK, it is mentioned in a recent report that this kind of issues is not being eradicated
totally because of allegation of such improper practice are not being proved because of lack of
evidence (theguardian.com, 2018). As this is a sensitive case, most of the time it is seen that
evidence of such case is not provided properly. FGM had been made illegal in UK for almost
three decades but such cases are not being totally avoided and community of Newham is not free
from this illegal practice. These are the main issues of FGM as it not only affects a person but it
also affects society and UK societies are victim of this ill-practice for several decades.
In context of UK, this is a huge issue now as in the year 2015/16, more than 5700 cases have
been recorded regarding the cases of FGM in context of UK. In recent years, it is seen that
practice of FGM was highest in the year of 2014 (theguardian.com, 2016). Despite several social
messages and new legislation, decrease rate of this practice is not improved through which such
issues in the society are remained same. These mentioned statistics are intriguing as it shows
how much this improper practice is affecting the contemporary society of UK.
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Figure 1: FGM practice in the UK
(Source: theguardian.com, 2016)
Main motive of this research work will be to find out different aspects of FGM and issues of
FGM on young and adult female of Newham. Through the progress of the research work,
different knowledge regarding FGM issues and its effects on the community of Newham will be
analysed. On the other hand, not only physical issues but mental issues of this ill-practice will
also be discussed through the process. The focus of the research work will remain on the female
mental and physical issue because of this improper practice in context of Newham
2.4 Aim of the research
Aim of this research work is to find out different aspects of female genital mutilation that are
affecting young and adult female of Newham
2.5 Objective
 To identify different aspects of female genital mutilation
 To analyse issues of female genital mutilation that are affecting female of Newham
 To evaluate mitigating factors for female genital mutilation issues in context of Newham
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2.6 Research Question
1. What are the main aspects of female genital mutilation?
2. What are the main issues of female genital mutilation that are affecting female of Newham?
3. What are the mitigating factors for female genital mutilation issues in context of Newham?
Literature Review
Introduction
Literature review is a process through which literary scholars are being reviewed by the
individual so that the study can be completed in an effective manner. In the present study the
present trend of female genital mutilation has been analyzed. In addition to that factors affecting
the rate of female genital mutilation have also been critically analyzed here. However, the
challenges of female genital mutilation have also been critically discussed. Furthermost theories
like Bourdieu’s and theory of Promiscuity has also been critically analyzed herd. Lastly, strategic
measures have been provided so that rate of genetic mutation can be reduced in near future.
Literary evidence
Present trend of female genital mutilation in UK
As per the report of world Health Organization female genital Mutilation is a process through
which female genital parts are being removed from their body for non medical purpose. Since,
the year 1985, the act of female genital Mutilation is being continued in UK despite of knowing
that it is illegal. Moreover, the government of UK has also failed to launch preventive measures
so that they can reduce activities like female Genital Mutilation. As per the report presented by
The Guardian, in UK, Girls child are taken to hospital for female genital mutilation at an age of 4
years because it is a part of their custom (Creighton and Hodes, 2016).
However, the report has further mentioned that 50 girls are being treated in hospital of UK after
undergoing the act of female genital mutilation. In the year 2017, 51 people were arrested for
performing Female Genital Mutilation on 49 Girls (theguardian.com, 2019). The Human Rights
Commission has mentioned that the act of Female genital mutilation needs to be mitigated for
the wellbeing of the people. The main motive of the Human Rights Commission is to reduce the
rate of Female Genital Mutilation by 2020 for the well being of women. In UK 68 Millions
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teenage girls are suffering from terminal disease like Virginal cancer because of conducting
Female Genital Mutilation. As per the opinion of Wood (2018), in UK every 61 minutes one girl
visits the operation theater for conducting Female Genital Mutilation. The members of United
Nations have recently launched Zero Tolerance concept in order to reduce the rate of Female
Genital Mutilation. However, the rate of such acts is increasing at a rapid rate. For instance, in
UK previously 140 Million of girls used to perform this kind of activities. On the other hand
presently, the rate has been increased to 200 Million (theguardian.com, 2019). Presently, the
government of UK has declared if an individual is caught performing female Genital Mutilation
then, the individual is liable to be imprisoned for 14 years.
In London 21 women per 1000 are forced to perform Female Genital Mutilation for non medical
reasons (theguardian.com, 2019).
Types of Female Genital Mutilation
As per the opinion of Srikrishna and Cardozo (2017), there are four types of Female Genital
Mutilation that have been mentioned below:
Type 1
In Type 1 mutilation the genital part is either fully removed or partially removed. For instance, in
UK both Type 1 and Type II female genital Mutilation is very common among young women.
Type II
In the words of Momoh (2015), type II mutilation is also termed as Excision
Type III
This is the most severe type of Genital Mutilation because the vaginal track narrows down
creating vaginal seal
Type IV
In this type the genital part are being used for non medical purpose. For instance, in most of the
case Type IV is prevalent (Onagoruwa, 2018).
The factors affecting Female Genital mutilation
The factors affecting the rate of Female Genital Mutilation have been discussed below:
Tradition
As per the literary Underpinnings of Sakeah et al. (2018), female Genital Mutilation are being
caused because of traditional belief. In addition to that some of the medical practitioners also
force the women to perform Genital Mutilation so that they can get a scope to earn extra money.
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For instance, in UK more than 137,000 women and girls have been found performing Genital
Mutilation Activities. From, the above mentioned rate it is evident that in England performing
Female Genital Mutilation is a part of their custom. In the area Newham, 3.89 girls have
undergone FGM. Moreover, the rate is considerably low across Wales (Reisel, 2015).
Religious Belief
In UK the rate of Female Genital Mutilation is high because they think that this activity is being
performed in order to seek blessing from Almighty. In addition to that, it has been noted that
Infants are also forced to undergo this activities as a part of religious belief. However, in order to
reduce the rate of Female Genital Mutilation UNICEF has launched a policy which, states that no
children below 18 years will be allowed to perform Female Genital Mutilation because, it causes
severe disease like virginal cancer and HIV AIDS. The law has further mentioned that if any
individual in UK is caught performing Female Genital Mutilation, then the Individual is liable to
go behind the bars for 6 Months Moreover; a fine can also be charged against the individual.
Impact of Genital Mutilation
Impact of genital Mutilation have been discussed below
HIV AIDS
After conducting Female Genital Mutilation, the individual may suffer from HIV due to infection
equipments such as needles. HIV can also be caused because of excessive bleeding at the time of
removing the vaginal part (World Health Organization, 2016).
Vaginal Cancer
Female genital mutilation causes vaginal cancer because of the infection. In addition to that, it
has been noted that after vaginal cancer, the individuals suffers from excessive Bleeding and
pain. At times the medical practitioners fail to provide proper treatment in order to cure the
disease. Thus, the individual may die at a shorter time span (Knipscheer et al. 2015).
Damages of genital Issues
Female genital mutilation also damages the tissues of the women. After the tissues get damaged,
the individual faces severe pain in the vaginal tract, shock and bleeding. Further, it has been
noted that Female Genital Mutilation causes urine infection among the women.
Ways of mitigating Female Genital Mutilation
Educating the people
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The government of UK needs to launch educational programs for the women so that they can
understand the challenges of causing Female Genital Mutilation. Further, they can also launch
campaigns so that awareness can be created among the individuals. Further, the Ngos may also
distribute leaflets among the victims so that awareness can be created among them (von Rège et
al. 2017).
Communication
The NGOS and the medical practitioners can conduct group and individual communication
among the victims so that their issues can be solved in an effective manner. Through effective
communication awareness can be created among the victims.
Discussion of the risks
The medical practitioner needs to discuss the challenges of Female Genital Mutilation with the
victim on regular basis so that the future rate of female genital Mutilation can be reduced.
Theoretical framework
Bourdieu’s Theory on FMG
The concerned theory has focused on the paternal nature of the society. Through the concerned
theory male autonomy on the body of the female can be well explained. It has also mentioned
that in traditional days women were considered as sex object. Thus, Female Genital Mutilation
was permissible (Reisel and Creighton, 2015).
Gap in the literature
In the concerned study all the articles have not been used because the access to paid journals was
denied. In addition to that due to time constrained the entire article has not been analyzed. Thus,
the study lacks effective analysis of data. For instance, the work of Creighton (2015), has
highlighted the types of Female Genital Mutilation. However, the individual has failed to give
stress on the challenges of GGM. Thus, in the present study both the aspect has been highlighted.
Summary
In the present chapter, the present trend of Female Genital Mutilation has been discussed. In
addition to that, the factors responsible for Female genital Mutilation have also been discussed
here. Further, the challenges of Female Mutilation have also been discussed along with its type
and theories. Lastly, preventive measures related to Female Genital Mutilation have also been
surfaced so that the study can be completed in an effective manner.
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3. Study Methods
3.1 Research Onion
Research onion is a model that introduces an overview of a research work through which a
research work can acquire a proper blue print of a research work. In research onion, different
layers of a research work are mentioned in different layers of an Onion where philosophy,
approaches, design and different data collection processes are mentioned which are essential for
research work. In the first layer of the research onion, philosophies of a research work are
mentioned where different philosophies are mentioned. On the other hand, in second and third
layer approach and design of the research work can be seen properly.
Figure: Research Onion
(Source: Saunders et al., 2009)
3.2 Research Philosophy
Research philosophy generally defines different aspects of development of the research work,
knowledge sources in order to enlighten a particular subject to the Knowledge Seeker. There are
different types of Philosophies that are used by researchers in order to conduct the research work.
Pragmatism, Realism and Positivism are main research philosophies.
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Figure: Research Philosophy
(Source: Created by Learner)
There are several reasons, behind choosing this philosophy in order to do the research work
properly. It is opined by Hughes and Sharrock (2016), Positivism Philosophy, mainly defines
different needs of knowledge and ideology that are mainly based on positive data which are
collected by the researcher from natural phenomenon. Positivism Philosophy provides a huge
opportunity to a researcher in order to acquire mathematical and logical demand of a research
work. In this contemporary research work, the researcher will be needed to identify different
aspects of genital mutilation, which are affecting young adult women; the researcher will need to
construct the research work appropriately.
3.3Research Approach
Research approach is a concept of a research work that determines development of a research
method and it helps a researcher to make certain decisions regarding the research work.
According to Smith (2015), there are mainly two kinds of research approach which are
Deductive Approach and Inductive Approach which are mainly acknowledged by researcher to
conduct a research work properly. In the deductive approach, hypothesis and theories are
assessed and researcher generally conducts the research in order to prove whether the hypothesis
is true or false.
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Figure: Deductive Approach
(Source: Created by Learner)
In order to conduct this research work, the researcher will acquire Deductive Approach for the
research work that will provide certain opportunities for the research work. Deductive approach
has a proper aspect where it is seen that observation regarding the contemporary issues are
considered and then a pattern is arranged for the research work. Through these patterns, the
researcher will introduce new theories regarding the contemporary issue of genital mutilation in
context of young adult of UK.
3.4Research Design
Research design is nothing but a determining method, which is managed by a researcher by
analysing different variable of research work. It is seen in most of the contemporary context that
modern-day researcher considers Descriptive and Explanatory Design.
In order to conduct this research work, the researcher will acquire Descriptive Design that will
provide huge opportunities to the researcher. It is opined by Lewis (2015), in descriptive design,
a researchercan conduct a research work through an unbiased way by which proper success in
data collection process can be availed by the researcher properly.
3.5 Data collection Process
Data collection process is an important part of a research work where researcher defines the data
collection strategies of research work. In a research work, there are mainly two kinds of sources
from where relevant data are collected. In primary data collection process, researcher acquires
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PatternTheory