Concepts of Gender: How Male Writers Color Issues of Female Asceticism

Author

Agostino C. Fernandez OSB, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Date of Award

2003

Document Type

Graduate Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Theology

Department

School of Theology and Seminary

First Advisor

William Cahoy

Second Advisor

Helen Rolfson, OSF

Subject Categories

Christianity | Gender and Sexuality | Practical Theology

Abstract

This study explores the way in which ancient physiological theories influenced female gender definition, both psychologically and practically. Special emphasis is placed on the ascetic understanding of both the effects of food restriction in the female body and the goals of "becoming male" and the disappearance of gender differentiation. This investigation focuses on the physical effects of food deprivation, the theological understanding of gender and the ideal of virginity.

Comments

Access restricted to College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University on-campus users.

Recommended Citation

Fernandez, Agostino C. OSB, "Concepts of Gender: How Male Writers Color Issues of Female Asceticism" (2003). School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses. 1002.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/sot_papers/1002