The Constraints of Desire: The Anthropology of Sex and Gender in Ancient Greece / Edition 1

by John J. Winkler

Overview

For centuries, classical scholars have intensely debated the "position of women" in classical Athens. Did women have a vast but informal power, or were they little better than slaves? Using methods developed from feminist anthropology, Winkler steps back from this narrowly framed question and puts it in the larger context of how sex and gender in ancient Greece were culturally constructed. His innovative approach uncovers the very real possibilities for female autonomy that existed in Greek society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415901239
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/13/1989
Series:	New Ancient World Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	282
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

John J. Winkler was formerly affiliated with Stanford University.

Table of Contents

PART I: 1.Unnatural Acts: Erotic Protocols in Artemidoros' Dream Analysis 2. Laying down the Law: The Oversight of Men's Sexual Behaviour in Classical Athens 3. The Constraints of Desire: erotic Magical Spells 4. The Education of Chloe: Hidden Injuries of Sex PART II: 5. Penelope's Cunning and Homer's 6. Double Consciousness in Sappho's Lyrics 7. Demeter and the Gardens of Adonis

Editorial Reviews

"The entire work is an excellent one for courses on women in antiquity. . . History courses will profit from the section on male sexuality in classical Athens. . . this sophisticated and valuable work is accessible to a very wide audience." — Classical World

From the Publisher