conference submission

so if they take me, this is apparently what i will be talking about in York on March 5-6:


Human migration into, out of, and within Europe has had profound effects on ideas of European identity, and consistently challenges the ideals that Europeans claim to stand for, including human rights and gender equality. One lens through which to view these issues, and those of cultural relativism and imperialism is that of policies towards the continuation of traditional cultural practices among immigrant communities in European countries. In particular, this presentation focuses on the tradition of Female Genital Cutting (FGC). European countries have reacted to the prevalence of this practice within their borders in different ways. France has been a forerunner in legal action, with dozens of convictions of both parents and traditional practitioners whereas the UK, despite being one of the first to enact specific legislation forbidding FGC, has been reluctant to enforce this legislation. On the other hand, specialized clinics have developed in the UK with health care personnel trained to assist women who have experienced FGC. Several possible explanations for this variance in policy approach are presented, including differing conceptions of citizenship and multiculturalism, the action and activism of special interest groups and non-governmental organizations, and the manner in which issue was brought to public attention, and the agenda-setting momentum of history.