Women and Religiosity in Orthodox Christianity

This book explores the role of women in Orthodox Christianity, addressing a gap in research by focusing on their lifeworlds, practices, and experiences in various localities. It employs feminist epistemologies and ethnographic research to provide a comprehensive understanding of Orthodox women's perspectives, knowledge, and experiences, which have been overlooked in previous studies. The essays demonstrate that continuity and transformation can be found harmoniously in social practices, demographic trends, and material contexts at the intersection of gender, Orthodoxy, and locality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2021
Publisher: Fordham University Press

Women and Religiosity in Orthodox Christianity is a groundbreaking collection of essays that fills a significant gap in the sociology of religious practice. While studies focused on womens religiosity have often overlooked Orthodox populations, studies of Orthodox practice have remained gender-blind within the dominant theological, historical, and sociological framework. This collection seeks to shed new light on the women who make up a considerable majority of the Orthodox population by engaging their lifeworlds, practices, and experiences in relation to their religion in multiple, varied localities. The essays critically engage the pluralist and changing character of Orthodox institutional and social life by using feminist epistemologies and drawing on original ethnographic research to account for Orthodox womens previously ignored perspectives, knowledge, and experiences.

Combining the depth of ethnographic analysis with geographical breadth and employing a variety of research methodologies, this book expands our understanding of Orthodox Christianity by examining Orthodox women of diverse backgrounds in different settings: parishes, monasteries, and the secular spaces of everyday life. The essays challenge claims that Orthodox Christianity is immutable and fixed in time by arguing that continuity and transformation can be found harmoniously in social practices, demographic trends, and larger material contexts at the intersection between gender, Orthodoxy, and locality.

The collection features contributions from a diverse group of scholars, including Kristin Aune, Milica Bakic-Hayden, Maria Bucur, Ketevan Gurchiani, James Kapaló, Helena Kupari, Ina Merdjanova, Sarah Riccardi-Swartz, Eleni Sotiriou, Tatiana Tiaynen-Qadir, and Detelina Tocheva. Each essay offers a unique perspective on the experiences of Orthodox women and explores the complex interplay between gender, religion, and locality.

One of the key themes explored in the collection is the role of women in the Orthodox Church. The essays highlight the historical and cultural factors that have shaped the position of women in the Orthodox Church and discuss the challenges and opportunities that women face in their religious practices and roles. The authors argue that while the Orthodox Church has traditionally been patriarchal, there have been significant efforts to promote womens participation and leadership in recent years. However, there are still barriers to womens full participation in the Church, including gender-based discrimination, cultural norms, and limited access to education and leadership positions.

Another theme explored in the collection is the intersection of gender, Orthodoxy, and locality. The essays demonstrate how the experiences of Orthodox women are shaped by the specific cultural, social, and political contexts in which they live. The authors argue that Orthodoxy is not a monolithic entity but rather a complex and diverse tradition that is influenced by local customs, traditions, and historical experiences. Women in different localities may have different religious practices, roles, and experiences, and the collection highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting these differences.

The collection also explores the impact of globalization on Orthodox women and their religious practices. The essays argue that while globalization has brought about new opportunities for religious exchange and collaboration, it has also led to the erosion of traditional Orthodox values and practices. Women in some localities may face pressure to adopt Western cultural norms and practices, which can conflict with their religious beliefs and practices. The authors call for a nuanced approach to globalization that recognizes the importance of preserving Orthodox cultural heritage while also promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.

In conclusion, Women and Religiosity in Orthodox Christianity is a groundbreaking collection of essays that offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the experiences of Orthodox women and their relationship with religion. The essays challenge traditional narratives and provide a fresh perspective on the complex and diverse tradition of Orthodoxy. By engaging womens lifeworlds, practices, and experiences in relation to their religion in multiple, varied localities, the collection expands our understanding of Orthodox Christianity and contributes to the ongoing dialogue about gender, religion, and locality.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780823298600