Prisoners of Ritual

This book focuses on the psychological, sexual and social effects of female genital circumcision, a widespread practice in Africa. The author's personal observations in operating theatres and delivery rooms, candid discussions with Sudanese women of all ages and social standings, as well as formal interviews with over 400 men and women, including health care professionals and religious leaders, lend enormous insight into the practice and its participants. Author Hanny Lightfoot-Klein, who spent six years backpacking through Sudan, Kenya and Eygpt and living with African families, provides an additional dimension to the knowledge on women's sexuality. This book is aimed at professionals and scholars in women's studies, social psychology, psychotherapy, psychiatry, gynaecology, sexology as well as cross-cultural and African studies. It is also designed to be of interest to those concerned with male circumcision in the United States.