Topic > Human Rights Article by Henriette Dahan Kalev - 716

Kymlicka argues that allowing a culture to freely practice its traditions supports the need for cultural belonging. In the example of genital mutilation, in some cultures it is used as a kind of initiation into femininity and unifies the women of these groups. He also argues that outlawing mutilation would cause the extinction of the group that practices it, as the practice is an important part of the culture. He believes that if outlawing a major part of a culture will cause the culture itself to disappear, then the act should be allowed, preserving minority cultures around the world. On the other hand, Kymlicka's arguments are used to demonstrate that the ban on genital mutilation supports individual human rights. He argues that people surrounded by a particular culture should have the right to choose whether or not to be involved in the group's practices. For example, these women should be able to practice genital mutilation if they wish, but then the question arises whether the