Authors: Alaine M. Low (Editor), Soraya Tremayne
ISBN-13: 9781571813169, ISBN-10: 1571813160
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Berghahn Books, Incorporated
Date Published: November 2001
Edition: (Non-applicable)
These 13 workshop-based papers critique ecofeminist assumptions about traditional societies viewing women as closer to nature and more spiritual than men. Following an overview by Low (history, Open U.) and Tremayne (social and cultural anthropology, U. of Oxford), the first contribution frames the debate over gender politics and environmentalism. Next, case studies illustrate sacred landscape (not intrinsically ecologically-oriented) in such societies past and present. Part III treats nature and gender in several major world religions. The final paper discusses contemporary paganism's quest for wholeness. The cover title reads Women as sacred custodians of the earth? Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Preface | ||
Contributors | ||
1 | Introduction | 1 |
2 | Gender, Nature and Trouble with Anti-Dualism | 23 |
3 | Sacred Landscapes: Religion and the Natural Environment in the Classical World | 47 |
4 | Aboriginal Women and Sacred Landscapes in Northern Australia | 63 |
5 | The Separation of the Sexes Among Siberian Reindeer Herders | 81 |
6 | Priestesses and Environment in Zimbabwe | 95 |
7 | Rice, Women, Men, and the Natural Environment among the Kelabit of Sarawak | 107 |
8 | Ecology and Christian Hierarchy | 121 |
9 | Text and Practice: Women and Nature in Islam | 141 |
10 | Soil as the Goddess Bhudevi in a Tamil Hindu Women's Ritual: The Kolam in India | 159 |
11 | Nature and Gender in Theravada Buddhism | 175 |
12 | Nature, Holism and Ecofeminism: A Chinese Worldview | 195 |
13 | Children of the Gods: The Quest for Wholeness in Contemporary Paganism | 219 |
Select Bibliography | 239 | |
Index | 251 |