Underlying Reasons for the Persistence of Female Genital Mutilation

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2.1 Qualitative case study research The method used for this study is qualitative research through a case study design. A case study is a research design that entails the detailed and intensive analysis of a single case 18 . Case study is not a method, but a design that include both qualitative approach, such as observations and interviews, as well as quantitative approaches in terms of secondary data 19 . For the examination of FGM and the continuation of the practice this requires a qualitative approach since it can go deeper into a problem, which can further on be put into a larger context. However, a quantitative approach will also be needed in this study since it relies on previous research done on FGM. Many times, as in this case, previous research can leave questions that might need to get more attention, therefore previous research can help to contribute to findings of materials about the persistence of FGM. Through qualitative approach the researcher is given an opportunity to let the informants’ control what information can be given, and in that way the researcher can find information that he/she did not consider before 20 . Thereby having semi-structured interviews, one can still follow the theme, that can lead to follow-up questions or even open discussions, which gives the informants a larger influence on the interviewing process. In empirical research the relationship between theoretical frameworks and empirical data are often dependent on each other 21 . Theories without empirical grounding can easily lead to speculations; while empirical research without being rooted within a theoretical framework may result in isolated descriptions of single phenomenon with limited value that cannot contribute to new insight on new information about our society. This study is of deductive character. The theoretical framework in this case study, ought to bring out the empirical findings and take the general meaning and put it in a more actual manner. In other words, testing the general proposition (theories) with empirical data 22 . In a qualitative research, the researcher is the main instrument of data collection, whether it is through observations or interviews. Critics towards these techniques argue that this makes it 18 Bryman, Social Research Methods, p 53-‐54 19 A. Johannessen, P. Tufte Introduktion till samhällsvetenskaplig metod, p. 56 20 Ibid, p. 71 21 Ibid, p. 35 22 Ibid, p. 35 9
difficult to conduct a replication since the researcher is the one deciding on what to concentrate on from what is observed or heard 23 , which in that case affects the works reliability. Another issue of criticism comes from the problem of generalization. The issue is focused on when the qualitative methods are used in form of participant observation, or when unstructured interviews are conducted with a small group of individuals in a certain area, it is argued that it is impossible to know how the findings can be generalized to other settings 24 . However in this case study research, as it often is in a case study, the sample drawn is not representative of a whole population. Rather it is the quality of the chosen theoretical influence of the developed qualitative data that is crucial to the opinion of generalization. 2.2 Material collection methods and informants There are certain difficulties when writing about FGM. The findings of literature and facts that oppose to the subject are easy to come across because of the well established and widely spread movement against FGM. Therefore searching for sources giving reasons that justify FGM is harder to come across. Given this, the theoretical frameworks will function as guidance through the empirical findings when analyzing what the purpose of this study is; the persistence of FGM. The interviews were conducted through semi-structured interviews with informants from different groups of people; a volunteer from AFNET (Anti Female Genital Mutilation Network), a local NGO in Babati, and separate group interviews with men and women from two different villages. According to AFNET these villages used to practice FGM, but since AFNET contributed with education about the harmful consequences the practice has declined. As these interviews were contributing to the study, one main issue was still to be explored; the problem with FGM still existing. An interview in an area where FGM still occurred was hard to locate since AFNET had well-established connections in areas where they used to operate and where the practice has already been ceased. I did not get the opportunity to visit a village where this problem still occurred, which I was highly anticipating on doing. I am aware that could have increased my understanding of what the problem was in the particular area. However, interviewing an elderly woman that traditionally used to circumcise girls called Ngariba, and a 23 Bryman Social Research Methods, p. 391 24 Ibid 10
Page 1 and 2: Exempel 11, sid 4-5 Underlying Reas
Page 3 and 4: ABBREVIATIONS FGM UNICEF WHO CE
Page 6 and 7: 1. INTRODUCTION Female genital mut
Page 8 and 9: is in no way based on religious bel
Page 10 and 11: 1.4 Aims and objectives The purp
Page 12 and 13: 1.8 Disposition The study is divi
Page 16 and 17: young girl that herself had undergo
Page 18 and 19: 3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK The pra
Page 20 and 21: organizations and intergovernmental
Page 22 and 23: obliged to form and adjust domestic
Page 24 and 25: human rights and therefore the disc
Page 26 and 27: as the custom has spread historical
Page 28 and 29: consequences of the urine and menst
Page 30 and 31: It is through this organization I h
Page 32 and 33: three or four years old when her gr
Page 34 and 35: many regions that practice/practice
Page 36 and 37: morals and fundamental rights, publ
Page 38 and 39: 5.2 Discussion FGM is internation
Page 40 and 41: likely to have the practice stop in
Page 42 and 43: 6. CONCLUSIONS Throughout this ess
Page 44: Reliabilitet Validitet 2011, retrie

Underlying Reasons for the Persistence of Female Genital Mutilation

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