Gender Strategies in Antiquity: Judith's Performance

Although the construction of gender as inherently hierarchical, patriarchal and heterosexually biased has been all-pervasive in society, there has been an equally consistent pattern of deconstruction, evident from antiquity to the present day. Perhaps surprisingly one can see this subversive gender...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Feminist theology
Main Author: Sawyer, Deborah F. 1956- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Sage 2001
In: Feminist theology
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Parallel Edition:Non-electronic
Description
Summary:Although the construction of gender as inherently hierarchical, patriarchal and heterosexually biased has been all-pervasive in society, there has been an equally consistent pattern of deconstruction, evident from antiquity to the present day. Perhaps surprisingly one can see this subversive gender play being utilized by biblical authors. This paper focuses on the story of the female heroine, Judith, as an illustration of gender subversion in the ancient world. Judith is allowed to break traditional gender constraints and stride across the gender spectrum. The author of the book of Judith uses the device of unconventionality to subvert the readers' expectations. In permitting Judith to transcend gender roles and boundaries, the power of the deity is emphasized.
ISSN:1745-5189
Contains:Enthalten in: Feminist theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1177/096673500100002802