Every culture has its own unique set of practices that are usually carried out for several reasons. However, some practices seem to violate human rights hence receive criticism from human rights activists and other superior cultures at large. This paper discusses the cultural basis for female genital mutilation (FGM) and the opinions of a cultural relativist regarding the acceptability of FGM. The paper also discusses how cultural relativism can be reconciled with the need for human rights and the role of globalization in changing cultural practices.
The Cultural basis for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Many cultures in the world practice FGM based on the beliefs of their culture. To begin with, FGM is practiced on religion grounds by most Muslims on the belief that their faith requires them to do so. Other religious groups also defend their idea of practicing the act justifying themselves based on the requirements of their faith (Mitchum, 2013).. Another cultural basis of performing FGM are social factors as most women living in Africa and Middle East countries perform the act as a rite of passage from girlhood into womanhood (Wong, 2015).). The participants often receive gifts, food, and clothing after the act while those that do not undergo the process often suffer long-term cultural repercussion. For instance, the girl may be given a cold shoulder by her family and in some cases may even fail to marry. Social factors may therefore act as a cultural basis supporting the practice of FGM.
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Cultural Relativist view on acceptability of FGM
Cultural relativists opinion on the acceptability of FGM is based on the notion that human rights are too risky and expensive for poor countries especially those with ethnic divisions. According to World Health Organization (2012), cultural relativists insist that economic development should come before human rights and that human rights can undermine the social order of a community and hence hindering its development. Human rights therefore should not be made universal since many states are not yet ready. World Health Organization (2012) further adds that the acceptability of FGM by cultural relativists is also based on the claim that its abolition and the adoption of universal human rights is a new form of imperialism and that it would only benefit the Western interests.
Reconciliation of Cultural Relativism and the need for Human Rights
Cultural relativism largely supports certain acts and operations that may go against the need for human rights. This is largely based on the idea that every culture is entitled to its own practices without the Western influence. Nevertheless, cultural relativism should come in terms with the need for human rights to save the violated rights of most victims (Lower, 2013). The right to self-determination and cultural differences should be considered for human rights to be significant failure to which they will be rejected like imperialism. The universal human rights should have a theoretical basis that does not support a radical context (Mitchum, 2013). Moreover, the universal human rights should not employ a fixed approach but should instead be compatible with various cultural differences.
The role of Globalization in changing Cultural Practices
The increased nature of globalization has seen an increased rate of interconnectedness taking place through cultural, political, and economic contexts (Esikot, 2012). The transformation from simple to complex value systems seem to be gradual but steady. For instance, the distinct cultural and moral practices of a community may be altered due to the connection with other foreign communities. It is evident that the Western culture hugely influences other cultures as they tend to copy and borrow ideas from the Westerners (Esem, 2016). Contrarily, globalization also avails a platform for communities to rethink their value preferences. It is on this basis that universal ethics can be established and awareness can be created on unpalatable cultures.
Conclusion
Diversity and cross-cultural relations should be considered and the practices of different cultures should be performed based on human rights. Cultural relativism should be considered and universal human rights should not be fixed but rather compatible to the different cultures.
References
Esem, N. (2016). How can young people end PGM in Nigeria? Retrieved from: http://womendeliver.org/2016/what-role-can-young-people-play-in-ending-female-genital-mutilation-in-nigeria/
Esikot, I.F. (2012). Globalization versus relativism: The imperative of a universal ethics. Journal of Politics and Law, 5(4), 129-135. Retrieved from: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jpl/article/view/22550
Lower, M. (2013). Can and should human rights be universal? Retrieved by:http://www.e-ir.info/2013/12/01/can-and-should-human-rights-be-universal/
Mitchum, P.D. (2013). Slapping the hand of cultural relativism: Female Genital Mutilation. William & Mary Journal of Women and the Law, 19(3), Article 4. Retrieved from: http://scholarship.law.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1363&context=wmjowl
Wong, E.F. (2015). Racial/ethnic relations: Theoretical overview. Salem Press Encyclopedia. Available at: http://ezproxy.umuc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=96397619&site=eds-live&scope=site .
World Health Organization (2012). Female genital mutilation. Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/77428/1/WHO_RHR_12.41_eng.pdf
