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 Bibles, which are prescribed using rape-supportive discourses and coercive control. This book is relevant to those studying the Bible, religion, gender, and theology, as well as the general reader.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 108 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In her captivating exploration, Caroline Blyth delves into the realm of Bibles specifically designed for teen girls, shedding light on their potential to perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes that contribute to the perpetuation of rape culture. The author meticulously examines the devotionals, commentaries, and advice sections found within these Bibles, offering valuable insights to teen girl readers on various aspects of life, including friendships, body image, and navigating romantic relationships.

However, what emerges from this analysis is a concerning emphasis on modesty, purity, and sexual passivity as markers of young women's "godliness." The author argues that these gendered ideals are prescribed to readers through rape-supportive discourses and coercive control tactics. Moreover, the 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 popularity of these Bibles among Christian teen girls, the urgency to dismantle their damaging rhetoric becomes paramount. This book holds particular appeal to scholars and researchers in the fields of Bible study, religion, gender, and theology, as well as to the broader readership interested in understanding the societal implications of these texts.

Weight: 160g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367720742