Rape Culture, Purity Culture, and Coercive Control in Teen Girl Bibles

Caroline Blyth examines how Bibles marketed to teen girls perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes that contribute to rape culture. The author highlights the emphasis on modesty, purity, and sexual passivity in these texts, which are reinforced with rape-supportive discourses and coercive control tactics. This book is a must-read for those interested in the Bible, religion, gender, and theology, as well as the general reader.

Format: Hardback
Length: 108 pages
Publication date: 11 February 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In her captivating exploration, Caroline Blyth delves into the realm of Bibles specifically designed for teen girls, scrutinizing their potential to perpetuate detrimental gender stereotypes that serve as the foundation of rape culture. The author analyzes the devotionals, commentaries, and advice sections found within these Bibles, offering guidance to teen girls on various aspects of life, including friendships, body image, and navigating romantic relationships. Within these discussions, a significant emphasis is placed on modesty, purity, and sexual passivity as markers of young women's "godliness." However, as Blyth argues, these gendered ideals are propagated to readers through rape-supportive discourses and coercive control tactics. Moreover, the strategic placement of these editorial inserts within the pages of sacred scripture grants them immense power to reinforce deeply harmful ideologies about gender, sexuality, and sexual violence. Given the apparent prevalence of these Bibles among Christian teen girls, the urgency to dismantle their damaging rhetoric is paramount.

This book holds particular appeal to scholars engaged in the study of the Bible, religion, gender, and theology, as well as to the broader readership. It serves as a thought-provoking examination of the societal implications of these religious texts and their impact on the lives of young women. By shedding light on the perpetuation of harmful gender stereotypes through Bibles marketed to teen girls, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue about gender equality and the need to challenge oppressive norms.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 142 x 222 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367245146