Genitalks
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Genitalks: An ethnography of genital self-image and genital cosmetic surgeries among women and people with a vulva in Belgium and the Netherlands
Postdoc project
In this project Dr. Hannelore Van Bavel researches genital self-image among girls, women, and people with a vulva in Belgium and the Netherlands. It is funded by a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Postdoctoral Fellowship and is multidimensional:
How do people with vulvas perceive their genitals, and what factors influence these perceptions? How do these perceptions impact their mental health and sexual relationships? Do they utilise coping mechanisms to deal with a potentially negative genital self-image, and if so, what are these mechanisms, and how do they impact their perception of their genitals?
In addition, the project investigates the rapid increase in female genital cosmetic surgery: why do individuals seek such surgeries? How do medics respond to concerns about genital appearance and/or function and to requests for cosmetic genital surgery?
The study uses an ethnographic approach, consisting of participant observation, in-depth interviews, and art-based focus group discussions. The empirical findings will be used to formulate a bioethical standpoint on female genital cosmetic surgeries. You can keep following Hannelore Van Bavel's work on Genitalks, a hub for research-based discussions on genital perceptions & practices she has created (below).