Strictly Observant: Amish and Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Women Negotiating Media

The Amish and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities have traditionally been associated with strict religious observance, a renunciation of worldly things, and obedience of women to men. However, Womens relationship to media in these communities reveals a more nuanced picture of the boundaries at play and womens roles in negotiating them. Strictly Observant is a compelling ethnographic study that explores the complex dynamic between women in these communities and contemporary media technologies, challenging gender hierarchies and prompting us to reconsider our understanding of these communities and our own relationship to media.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2024
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

The Amish and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities have long been associated with strict religious observance, a renunciation of worldly things, and the obedience of women to men. However, the relationship between women and media in these communities reveals a more nuanced picture of the boundaries at play and the roles that women play in negotiating them.

In her book, Strictly Observant: Women and Media in the Amish and Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Communities, anthropologist Rachel Harris explores the complex dynamic between women and contemporary media technologies in these communities. Through a series of ethnographic studies, Harris examines how women in both the Old Order Amish and Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities use and nonuse media to establish valuable social, cultural, and religious capital.

One of the key findings of the book is that women in these communities are not passive recipients of media but active agents of change. Women use media to connect with others, share their experiences, and advocate for their beliefs and values. They also use media to challenge the gender hierarchies of their communities and promote greater gender equality.

For example, in the Old Order Amish community, women use media to connect with other Amish women across the world and share their experiences of raising children and running households. They also use media to advocate for greater gender equality within the community, such as the right to education and the ability to hold leadership positions.

Similarly, in the Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, women use media to connect with other women and share their experiences of raising children and maintaining religious observance. They also use media to challenge the gender stereotypes and expectations that are often imposed on women in these communities, such as the expectation that they will prioritize their families over their careers.

Despite the positive impact that women can have on media use in these communities, there are also challenges and barriers that they face. Women in these communities are often subjected to strict gender norms and expectations, which can limit their access to and control over media. They may also face social and cultural pressures to conform to traditional gender roles, which can make it difficult for them to advocate for change.

To address these challenges, women in these communities have developed a range of strategies for navigating the complexities of media use. They may limit their use of certain media technologies, such as smartphones and social media, or they may use media in ways that are carefully monitored and controlled by their families or religious leaders. They may also use media to promote their own voices and perspectives and to challenge the dominant narratives and stereotypes that are often associated with their communities.

In conclusion, Strictly Observant: Women and Media in the Amish and Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Communities provides a compelling ethnographic study of the complex dynamic between women and contemporary media technologies in these communities. Through a deep awareness of how media can be managed to increase their social and religious reputations, these women prompt us to reconsider our outmoded understanding of the Amish and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, the role that women play in these communities as agents of change, and our own relationship to media today.

Weight: 481g
Dimension: 235 x 156 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978805224