CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2021
| Author | Abdilashimova, Farzana |
|---|---|
| Title | Reconstructing Virginity: Hidden Sentiments And Complexities Behind Hymenoplasty In Kyrgyzstan |
| Summary | This study aims to explore experiences and perceptions of young Kyrgyz women, who underwent the hymenoplasty, towards the hymen restoration surgery in Kyrgyzstan. In Kyrgyz society, the procedure of hymenoplasty is not a subject of open discussions and definitely not of a social approval. Also, due to the ethical character of the surgery, there is no existing statistical data about the hymenoplasty and number of women undergoing this genital cosmetic surgery in Kyrgyzstan. By focusing on the women’s lived experiences, their voices, and meanings attached to this genital cosmetic surgery this research seeks to address the issue that remains yet unexplored within Kyrgyz society. The primary goal of this research is to examine the role hymen restoration surgery plays in lives of women in Kyrgyzstan: its impact on women’s lives and their relationship with their families, as well as motives and circumstances that pushed/motivated women to undergo this surgery. Thus, I intend to raise Kyrgyz women’s voices and explore the phenomenon from the inside. Through applying qualitative research and in-depth interviewing, I examine the experiences, motives and desires of various Kyrgyz women who underwent the hymenoplasty in their given socio-cultural settings. I will argue that hymenoplasty is a complex phenomenon that cannot solely be identified through the binaries of resistance and subordination. Building on the theoretical framework of agency, subjectification and patriarchal bargaining I posit that Kyrgyz women exercise their own agency through undergoing hymen restoration surgery and negotiate between the dominant norms of their socio-cultural context and their personal desires and motives. |
| Supervisor | Renkin Hadley Zaun |
| Department | Gender Studies MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2021/abdilashimova_farzan.pdf |
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