The continued practice of routine circumcision in some cultures most probably stems more from social customs, parental preferences and religious beliefs rather than medical reasons.
For circumcision
Against circumcision
For circumcision. Some common social reasons for parents choosing a routine circumcision for their baby boy can include:
Religious reasons. The Jewish religion circumcises their boys on the 8th day after the birth, to fulfil Abraham's covenant with God. The ritual is called a 'bris' and is performed by a 'Mohel'. Muslims circumcise their boys (usually at puberty) as a symbol of reaching manhood.
Cultural reasons. Australian Aboriginal and African tribes have circumcised their boys at puberty, as a cultural practice. Parents in countries such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada have continued to circumcise because it has been the 'custom' for 50 to 100 years. The pressure to be 'like everyone else' has also been identified as a very motivating reason.
To look like their fathers. Many babies have been circumcised so they can look like their fathers.
Personal preferences. Some people believe that a circumcised penis looks 'nicer', 'cleaner' and is easier to look after. This may also stem from the misperceptions and myths that supported possible 'improved sexual function' or 'reducing masturbation', which are not true.
Against circumcision. Some common social reasons for parents to decline routine circumcision for their baby boy can include:
Cultural reasons. Parents in European, Scandinavian, Asian and South American countries do not consider circumcision as a routine option for their baby boys. It is not a culturally accepted practice.
It is not natural. Many parents now believe that circumcision is not natural and therefore is unnecessary. There are some groups who equate the procedure to violation of the baby's human rights and class male circumcision as genital mutilation.
The pain.