The dilemma of women's bodies and spirits in an absolute patriarchal society by comparing FGM and Foot-Binding

Abstract

FGM and Foot binding has existed for a long time in the history of the West and China respectively, which has severely damaged the physical and mental health of women in the West and China. Through a cross-cultural comparative study of FGM globally and Foot Binding in China's Qing Dynasty, this essay examined the dilemmas that women faced both physically and spiritually in the absolute patriarchy society. This paper was written based on previous papers, books and historical documents to find that human behavior was shaped by society and social environment. This article finds that in an absolute patriarchal society, genital mutilation and foot binding have brought difficulties to women's body and spirit. The conclusion is that under the influence of social, psychological and economic factors, women have to accept this immoral custom. It provided readers with a better understanding of patriarchal women's status, as well as the cruelty of Western and Eastern customs such as FGM and foot binding.