@article{ref1,
title="Global phylogenetic analysis reveals multiple origins and correlates of genital mutilation/cutting",
journal="Nature human behaviour",
year="2022",
author="Šaffa, Gabriel and Zrzavý, Jan and Duda, Pavel",
volume="6",
number="5",
pages="635-645",
abstract="Genital mutilation/cutting is costly in terms of health, survival and reproduction, and the long-term maintenance of these practices is an evolutionary conundrum. Previous studies have suggested a mate-guarding function or various signalling functions of genital mutilation/cutting. Here we use phylogenetic comparative methods and two global ethnographic samples to study the origins and socio-ecological correlates of major types of female and male genital mutilation/cutting. Male genital mutilation/cutting probably originated in polygynous societies with separate residence of co-wives, supporting a mate-guarding function. Female genital mutilation/cutting originated subsequently and almost exclusively in societies already practising male genital mutilation/cutting, where it may have become a signal of chastity. Both have originated multiple times, some as early as in the mid-Holocene (5,000-7,000 years ago), considerably predating the earliest archaeological evidence and written records. Genital mutilation/cutting co-evolves with and may help maintain fundamental social structures, hindering efforts to change these cultural practices.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2397-3374",
doi="10.1038/s41562-022-01321-x",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41562-022-01321-x"
}