Chapter 3: The Making of Males and Females in Contemporary Kisii Initiation as Rite of Passage Female Rites Male Rites Differences between male/female initiation

Initiation as Rite of Passage Gender is acquired through socialization. Initiation rites help form social/sexual identity— “carving” gender through female/male genital cutting at adolescence Females/Males not full member of society without these rituals All social and moral life is gendered International Reactions: Horror at female circumcision. Banned in 1980. No outcry against male circumcision.

Female Initiation Girls waiting in a line for their turn to be circumcised. Female circumciser with a razor blade. Maize flower put on wound to stop the bleeding.

Female Initiation Women celebrate their daughters circumcision Girl resting in the hut after the circumcision

Clitoridectomy: Reasoning Eliminate sexual excitability of women Makes women more controllable and prevents “loose” behavior. Removal of clitoris, a masculine feature, makes women more feminine. Economic basis—allows fathers to negotiate marriage. No uncircumcised girl will find a husband and the father would not receive a bride price.

Results Health issues: Banning leads to more “at home” procedures and medical complications Men look to prostitutes for recreational sex Parents status increases (they become senior village members)

Circumcision Introduces boys to adult responsibilities and sex Reasoning Introduces boys to adult responsibilities and sex Boys learn they must be providers and control wives and families Must stand up to pain and ridicule-- Stoicism shows “real” manhood Stimulates formation of bonds (boys of the same age grade (a “terrifying but exciting” experience)

Results Boys may now have sex with older circumcised girls Boys often threaten girls (with rape) as they court them. No longer must treat initiated girls with respect Parents status increases (they become senior village members)

Differences in Female/Male Initiation Boy secluded and must stands alone Ceremony focuses on sexual avoidance. Boys taught self-reliance (adventures games in theft and hunting) Many responsibilities imparted Ceremony does not provide an emotional outlet for fathers/men FEMALE Girl accompanied by mother and restrained Ceremony focuses on sexual stimulation Girls are taught obedience Few responsibilities acquired during ceremony Ceremony provides emotional/sexual outlet for mother’s/women’s aggression