3. When conflicting ideologies on body and sexuality are at stake: Sexual-health counselling targeting young women with FGC in Sweden

Abstract

The starting point of this study is challenges that may arise from culturally conflicting ideas about health, body and sexuality in multicultural societies. We explore how such challenges take shape, using as a case the provision of sexual-health counselling in Sweden targeting young women with female genital cutting (FGC). Currently, professionals in Sweden are required to work with both prevention and support in relation to women with FGC. They are guided by policies that embed culture-specific ideas about sexuality, body and health, including powerful messages labelling cut women as sexually and bodily imperfect. Such messages, studies have shown, may have a negative impact on body image and sexual health among concerned women. This has important implications for professionals' encounters with young cut, sexually inexperienced women, as they are in a state of developing their own sexual self-image. Of interest in this empirical exploration is: How are dominant ideas about FGC and its alleged impact on sexuality, played out in practice? How do professionals handle conflicting cultural ideas about FGC and sexuality in encounters? And, is it possible to work empowering and preventive against FGC without evoking body shame or feelings of loss of sexual capacity among those concerned?