This volume of essays grew out of a symposium organized by Judith Hoch-Smith and Anita Spring for the 1974 American Anthropological Association meetings in Mexico City. The two-part symposium was enti� tled "Women in Ritual and Symbolic Systems: I. Midwives, Madonnas, and Mediums; ll. Prostitutes, Witches, and Androgynes. " The sym� posium participants were asked to explore theological, ritual, and sym� bolic aspects-both positive and negative-of the feminine cultural do� main, using ethnographic materials with which they were familiar. The resulting papers have been revised, edited, and gathered together in Women in Ritual and Symbolic Roles. The theoretical importance of these papers for the study of women's participation in culture and society rests on the assumption that reli� gious ideas are paramount forces in social life, that relationships be� tween the sexes, the nature of female sexuality, and the social and cul� tural roles of women are in large part defined by religious ideas. That this proposition remains valid long after religion itself has ceased to be a living truth in the lives of many people can be seen from the tenacious� ness of Judeo-Christian ideas about women in the contemporary West� ern world. Both the expansion of life options for women and the creation of more positive cultural images of the female are intimately related to changes in the my tho-symbolic portraits that people carry around in their heads. These portraits are almost exclusively constructed from mythological and religious conceptions inherent in all facets of culture.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Founded in 1973, with a shop in downtown Amherst from July 1975 until July of 2009, we are now an online only bookshop. We accept orders by phone or email only. We accept personal check, and paypal. Reasonable offers considered.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Valley Books
MA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Please designate shipping preference. Media mail is 4.25 for average size hardbacks and paperbacks in the U.S. Delivery confirmation is included in the price. $1.00 ea. addit. book. Oversized books are charged at exact cost. Flat-rate Priority rate is $6.95, including delivery confirmation. Oversized books shipped priority depend on weight and zone and will be charged at exact cost. Foreign postage, to most countries, is 32.95 for average size hardbacks, sent First Class International rate.. Can...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Preset shipping cost is based on average hardcover size and weight. Over-sized or unusually heavy books may require additional postage. Delivery confirmation free with every order. We describe accurately and pack carefully. We ship USPS unless another service is requested. We ship within 48 hours of receipt of order, often within 24 hours. We ship worldwide. Books are returnable within 7 days of receipt. ALL BOOKS ARE SHIPPED WITH TRACKING NUMBERS, TRACEABLE AT THE USPS WEBSITE. PLEASE REQUEST TRACKING NUMBERS. ANY CLAIMS OF NON-DELIVERY WILL BE CHALLENGED AGAINST THE TRACKING INFORMAITON PROVIDED BY THE USPS.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 6.00	US$ 10.50

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.