“In this bold, compelling book, Hodžic shows why female genital cutting has served as the test case for claims regarding humane imperialism and human rights, and for debates about cultural relativism, liberal tolerance, and feminist activism. North–South collaboration to end the practice might serve as a tool of governance, but it also yields unforeseen awareness, questioning, and the unmasking of fetishism. An original, erudite, and important work.”—Jean Comaroff, Harvard University
“A tour-de-force feminist analysis of ‘the problem of cutting.’ Without passing judgment, yet with critical eye intact, Hodžic’s ethnography explores how Ghanaian NGOs changed lifeworlds and laws about female genital mutilation (FGM) in their efforts to end the practice.”—Erica Bornstein, author of Disquieting Gifts: Humanitarianism in New Delhi