Aims

The aim of this journal article is to examine the association between age on arrival in Britain and experiences and attitudes relating to female circumcision among young, single Somalis living in London.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey was used to obtain quantitative data for 94 females and 80 males. Respondents were single Somalis aged between 16 and 22 years who were living in Greater London. The self-completed questionnaire included questions on language, type of dress worn, social events attended and expectations of parents and respondents regarding choice of marriage partners. Twenty in-depth interviews were carried out with the same study population defined above [10 with males and 10 with females]. Respondents were interviewed by an interviewer of the same gender and by someone who could read, write and speak English and common Somali fluently. Two research assistants were trained to perform the role of interviewer in the project. A snowball sampling scheme was used to identify respondents for the questionnaire. It is noted that the sample may over-represent those willing to discuss the sensitive topic of the research and individuals who looked favourably upon the clan of the research assistant[s]. Statistical computer packages were used to analyse the quantitative data. All research was undertaken between July and December 1996.

Key findings

Men were more likely to visit a pub and have English friends than women, who were more likely to wear traditional dress or mixed Western/traditional clothing to school. 70% of females reported being circumcised. Of those respondents who indicated the type of circumcision they had undergone 65% indicated infibulation and the other 35% indicated 'Sunna' circumcision. Two thirds of circumcisions were performed in Somalia with the majority of procedures being carried out between the ages of six and eight. The probability of being circumcised varied by age on arrival in Britain. Of the 24 females who arrived aged five or younger 42% reported being circumcised. This is compared to 71% of those who arrived aged 6-10 and 91% of those who arrived aged 11 or older. Risk of being circumcised did not vary by the level of the father's or mother's education.

The female interviewees described problems related to sex. Men also commented on the difficulties with sexual relationships associated with circumcision but also implied that uncircumcised women are likely to be more promiscuous. Female respondents to the questionnaire were much more likely than men to agree with the statement that uncircumcised women are more likely to be promiscuous than men. The proportion of respondents who would consider marrying a non-Somali increased significantly with younger age on arrival in Britain and men who arrived younger were less likely to want a circumcised wife. Respondents of both sexes highlighted the social pressures on men to marry a circumcised woman.

Males who arrived in Britain aged 11 or older were more likely to report that religion was important to them and to attend religious events than their younger counter-parts. No such pattern was seen for females. Male respondents to the questionnaire were less likely than female respondents to disagree with the idea that circumcision is a religious requirement. Respondents who had lived in the UK from an earlier age were less likely to intend to circumcise their daughters, [however, the difference was not statistically significant for females and less than that for males]. The vast majority of respondents to the survey who indicated that they would circumcise their daughters stated that they would choose 'Sunna circumcision' if they noted a preference.

Conclusions

Young single Somalis living in Britain from a younger age were more likely to experience social assimilation; had a lower risk of being circumcised [for women]; and had a lower demand for a circumcised wife and less intention of circumcising daughters [for men]. Males, older generations and new arrivals are most likely to be in favour of female circumcision. Accordingly, the increased rate of immigration since this study was conducted in 1996 may have changed the tendency for abandonment of the practice over time and warrants further research.

Recommendations

Ways of informing new arrivals about the UK law in relation to female circumcision should be explored. Those who seek to encourage the community to abandon the practice need to address the assumptions around sexuality that underpin it and the belief that it is a religious requirement.