Daughters in the Hebrew Bible

Kimberly D. Russaw argues that daughters in biblical narratives use tactics to navigate antagonistic systems of power, as they do not receive the same social favor or standing as sons. She examines the systems that constrict them and the strategies they employ to protect their well-being.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2018
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

While the expectations and circumstances of women's lives in ancient Israel have received considerable attention in recent scholarship, to date, little attention has been focused on the role of daughters in Hebrew narrative. That is, of yet unmarried female members of the household, who are not yet mothers. Kimberly D. Russaw argues that daughters are more than foils for the males (fathers, brothers, etc.) in biblical narratives and that they often use particular tactics to navigate antagonistic systems of power in their worlds. Institutions and power structures favor the patriarch, sons inherit such privileges and benefits, and wives and mothers are ascribed special status because they ensure the patrilineal legacy by birthing sons; but daughters do not receive such social favor or standing. Instead of privileging daughters, systems and institutions control their bodies, restrict their access, and constrict their movement. Combining philological data, social-science models, and cross-cultural comparisons, Russaw examines the systems that constrict biblical daughters in their worlds and the strategies they employ when hostile social forces threaten their well-being.

While the expectations and circumstances of women's lives in ancient Israel have received considerable attention in recent scholarship, to date, little attention has been focused on the role of daughters in Hebrew narrative. That is, of yet unmarried female members of the household, who are not yet mothers. Kimberly D. Russaw argues that daughters are more than foils for the males (fathers, brothers, etc.) in biblical narratives and that they often use particular tactics to navigate antagonistic systems of power in their worlds. Institutions and power structures favor the patriarch, sons inherit such privileges and benefits, and wives and mothers are ascribed special status because they ensure the patrilineal legacy by birthing sons; but daughters do not receive such social favor or standing. Instead of privileging daughters, systems and institutions control their bodies, restrict their access, and constrict their movement. Combining philological data, social-science models, and cross-cultural comparisons, Russaw examines the systems that constrict biblical daughters in their worlds and the strategies they employ when hostile social forces threaten their well-being.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978700482