 CIRCUMCISION: THE HIDDEN TRAUMA is the first intensive
exploration of the unrecognized psychological and social aspects of
this increasingly controversial American cultural practice. The book
has been endorsed by dozens of professionals in psychology,
psychiatry, child development, pediatrics, obstetrics, childbirth
education, sociology, and anthropology.
Without much knowledge, the
American public generally assumes that our cultural practice of
circumcision is a trivial and benign procedure. As discussed in
CIRCUMCISION: THE HIDDEN TRAUMA, plain facts and recent research
results conflict with these beliefs and raise questions. Dr.
Goldman's application of psychological and social research
coherently explains both the tenacity of the practice and the
contradictory information and beliefs about it.
After a review of the
surprising abilities of infants and their responses to circumcision
pain, the long-term psychological effects of circumcision are
examined from the perspectives of both traditional and more recent,
innovative psychological theories. We learn that circumcision has
potential effects not only on men and sexuality, but also on
mother-child relationships, male-female relationships, and societal
traits and problems. The text is supported with clinical reports,
interviews, surveys, and thorough documentation.
CIRCUMCISION: THE HIDDEN
TRAUMA identifies an overlooked source of early pain and
simultaneously points us in the direction of both healing and
preventing this pain. It is of particular interest to men who seek
to explore their sexuality and deepen self-awareness; women who want
to understand men better; parents and children's advocates;
childbirth educators and allied workers; and mental health, medical,
and academic professionals. The book has wide appeal because, more
generally, it is about trusting our instincts, questioning some of
our cultural values and assumptions, and reflecting on who we are
and who we can be as individuals and as a
society.
| Ronald Goldman, Ph.D., is a researcher,
educator, and executive director of the Circumcision Resource Center
in Boston, a nonprofit educational organization. He gives lectures
and seminars on the psychological and social aspects of circumcision
and provides consultation to expectant parents and circumcised men.
Dr. Goldman has been a featured guest on local and national radio
and television shows and has been cited in numerous newspapers and
periodicals.
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