The Identity Economics of Female Genital Mutilation

28 Pages Posted: 30 Mar 2009 Last revised: 29 May 2011

See all articles by Christopher J. Coyne

Christopher J. Coyne

George Mason University - Department of Economics

Rachel L. Mathers

Delaware State University

Date Written: March 29, 2009

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or complete excision of external female genitalia and other damage to the female genital organs. This paper develops the identity economics of FGM as a complement to the agency-cost explanation provided by previous rational choice theorists. We analyze how identity influences the costs and benefits associated with participation in the FGM ritual, offering insight into effective change of the practice. Our analysis also explains some of the counter-intuitive phenomena associated with FGM, such as older circumcised females being the main gatekeepers who perpetuate the practice.

Keywords: B52, D70, Z13

JEL Classification: female genital mutilation, identity economics

Suggested Citation

Coyne, Christopher J. and Mathers, Rachel L., The Identity Economics of Female Genital Mutilation (March 29, 2009). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1369969 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1369969

Christopher J. Coyne (Contact Author)

George Mason University - Department of Economics ( email )

4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.ccoyne.com/

Rachel L. Mathers

Delaware State University ( email )

Dover, DE 19901
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.rachelmathers.com

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