Abstract
The term “hymen,” meaning membrane, is of Greek origin. It is a thin membrane found at the opening of the vagina. This membrane exists only in women, with no apparent anatomical function. However, the uniqueness of the female hymen has sparked the imagination of men to invent a biological function for it—linking the hymen to female sexuality. Men socially construct the function of the hymen in ensuring female sexual purity, honor, and virginity. Apparently, according to t his conceptualization, all of God’s creation is perfect and God creates everything for a purpose. Therefore, proving female virginity should be perceived as the function of the hymen, and men have discovered that purpose.
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Notes
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© 2015 David Ghanim
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Ghanim, D. (2015). Hymen Mystique. In: The Virginity Trap in the Middle East. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137507082_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137507082_5
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