**Using the Science of Love and Bonding to Bring New Perspectives on Social Relationships, Health, and the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation in East Africa. **
*Larry Young | Center for Translational Social Neuroscience | Psychiatry, Emory University Rev. Patti Ricotta | President, Life Together International Discussants: Kathryn M. Yount | Global Health and Melvin Konner | Anthropology, Emory University *
Larry Young and Rev. Patti Ricotta will discuss their work in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania in which Dr. Young discusses the neurobiology of pair bonding in monogamous voles as well as other research on the biology of healthy social relationships to community leaders, clergy, medical professionals and educators in communities where female genital mutilation is practiced. In areas where spirituality is highly venerated, this approach based on combining scientific research with relevant biblical teaching, is bringing new perspectives on the importance of mutual loving relationships between partners as well as between parent and child. The importance of pleasurable sex in pair bonding brings into question the cultural practice of FGM. Rev. Ricotta shares her biblical perspective which encourages greater equality between men and women, husbands and wives by showing the consistency between biblical messages of love and unity, with Dr. Young's scientific research on the neurobiology of pair bonding. This combination has caused a paradigm shift in the thinking of thousands with regard to FGM and parenting.
These presentations will be followed by discussions on ethical and cultural considerations of using this approach to change long standing cultural practices in Africa.
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