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Internalizing knowledge and changing attitudes to female genital cutting/mutilation
Inger-Lise Lien1, Jon-Håkon Schultz
1Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Kirkeveien 166, Bygning 48, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
Obstetrics and Gynecology International
|July 12, 2013
Summary
Changing attitudes towards female genital cutting (FGC) can be painful when new adult knowledge conflicts with childhood beliefs. Understanding this internalization process is key for effective FGC abandonment campaigns.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
Background:
- Female genital cutting (FGC) is a deeply ingrained cultural practice.
- Attitudinal change regarding FGC is complex and influenced by multiple factors.
- Previous research has not fully explored the psychological and epistemological challenges of abandoning FGC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the process of paradigmatic attitudinal change concerning female genital cutting.
- To understand the role of internalized knowledge schemas in shaping attitudes towards FGC.
- To identify key elements for designing effective FGC abandonment campaigns.
Main Methods:
- A multimethod approach was employed, integrating theories of multilevel internalization.
- Forty-six informants, including Norwegian activists and Gambian women, participated.
- Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth descriptions of attitude change experiences.
Main Results:
- Internalizing new information that contradicts established childhood schemas can cause significant epistemological pain.
- Information acquisition for attitude change occurs through diverse channels: education, seminars, work, and social networks.
- The effectiveness of information depends on the individual's internalization process, not just reception.
Conclusions:
- Effective FGC abandonment campaigns must address the painful process of epistemological conflict.
- Understanding the stages of knowledge internalization is crucial for fostering lasting attitudinal shifts.
- Interventions should consider the psychological impact of challenging deeply held beliefs related to FGC.
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