Dr. Sarit Kattan Gribetz, an associate professor of theology at Fordham University with expertise in ancient Judaism and gender, uncovers the overlooked contributions of women throughout history. She discusses how language and biases have obscured women’s roles in biblical texts and historical narratives. Delving into female scribes and specific figures like Rav Hisda's daughter, she highlights the systemic erasure of women’s stories and the importance of inclusive storytelling in reshaping our understanding of the past.
Many women in ancient history remain nameless and unrecognized, often represented only by their relationships rather than their individual identities.
Historical texts demonstrate a significant gender bias, with male figures overwhelmingly named while women's contributions are systematically overlooked and undervalued.
Despite their underrepresentation, evidence shows women actively participated in various societal roles, challenging the notion of their complete invisibility in history.
Deep dives
Invisible Women in History
Many stories of women in ancient history remain untold and unrecognized, often referenced only by their circumstances or relationships rather than their names. For instance, the account of a woman with a chronic illness who sought healing from Jesus illustrates how female figures are often rendered invisible in historical narratives. This phenomenon of erasure applies not only to the individual but also collectively, as thousands of unnamed women contributed to society yet are absent from documented history. As noted by historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, the narrative often commemorates women only when they disrupt social norms or engage in behaviors contrary to societal expectations, highlighting a skewed portrayal that prioritizes sensational over meaningful representation.
Marginalization in Historical Narratives
Historical texts have frequently overlooked the ordinary lives of women, favoring the inclusion of prominent figures, while marginalizing the majority. An analysis of rabbinic literature reveals a stark contrast, with approximately a thousand men named compared to only 52 women, indicating a significant gender bias in representation. This underrepresentation is not merely a reflection of historical circumstances but speaks to the systematic exclusion of women's narratives from male-dominated chronicles. The male authors of these texts often considered women's lives as unremarkable, leading to a lack of acknowledgment of their contributions, which were integral to the social fabric.
The Role of Literature and Language
In literature, women are often depicted in relation to male characters, reducing their agency and individuality in historical narratives. For example, literary texts frequently refer to women in terms of their relationships with men, such as 'the mother of so-and-so' or 'the wife of so-and-so,' sidelining their own identities. This linguistic pattern raises questions about the inherent biases present in the language used by historians and writers, as masculinity often dominates discourse. Furthermore, discussions surrounding grammatical gender highlight the complexities of representation, where terms that could include women are frequently interpreted to exclude them, complicating our understanding of their roles in historical accounts.
Exploring Evidence of Women's Existence
Despite the lack of direct representation, there is evidence to suggest that women played active roles within their communities, challenging the notion of their complete invisibility. Archaeological finds and ancient inscriptions indicate that women participated in various aspects of society, including commerce and the production of texts. Additionally, there are instances of women engaging with literacy and authorship, as seen in various historical findings that reflect their contributions as readers and writers in antiquity. This evidence compels a reevaluation of the historical portrayal of women, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their multifaceted roles rather than accepting their absence as a given.
Shifting Perspectives in Historical Inquiry
Understanding the dynamics of authorship and audience in ancient texts sheds light on the potential contributions of women to historical narratives. While many texts remain anonymous, this anonymity doesn't necessarily imply male authorship but rather opens the door to possibilities where women could have played significant roles. The act of writing history itself is inherently creative, prompting modern scholars to reconsider their assumptions about gender and representation. By questioning long-held narratives and incorporating a broader range of perspectives, historians can begin to recover the complexities of women's experiences and acknowledge their presence throughout history, even when records are scant.
We talk to Dr. Sarit Kattan Gribetz about history’s nameless faces, the news negativity bias, and how to raid ancient texts to find women.
How were women named and anonymized in Jewish and Christian texts? When did bene Yisra’el mean "sons of Israel" in the Hebrew Bible, and when did it include the daughters too? What do we know about female scribes in antiquity? Who was Rav Hisda's daughter? And how do biases shape what scholars find?
Sponsored by the Center for Culture, Society, and Religion, the Program in Judaic Studies, and the Stanley J. Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies at Princeton University
Views expressed on the podcast are solely those of the individuals, and do not represent Princeton University.
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