Ebook: The View of Women Found in the Deuteronomic Family Laws

The purpose of this study is to examine the view of women found within the Deuteronomic family laws. Several recent discussions have suggested that these laws manifest a highly positive appraisal of women's Status. In contrast, we will argue that the laws presuppose the dependence of women within male-headed households and the subordinate role of women within the family. The laws aim to support the stability of the family by undergirding hierarchical, patrilineal family structures. They also protect dependent family members. Their efforts to protect dependents do not, however, fundamentally challenge the hierarchical family structure.