ANTHROP 2F03 Midterm: Sworn Virgins of Albania
Document Summary
Thesis: sworn virgins are a social phenomenon occurring out of a woman"s desire or necessity. The values withheld in rural albania surrounding sex, sexuality and gender allow women to live their lives as men. Sworn virgin: a woman sworn to there law of the kanun to celibacy in order to take on the role of a man. Under the law of kanun, a woman can take on the role of a man; dressing, acting, working, talking and being treated by her community as a man. He promises that he will never marry and will live a life of celibacy. Once a woman marries she becomes the property of her husband and his family (handout) Some women, such as lule, who always knew she never wanted to marry and would rather be in control of her own life, manage her own household and work (young, 2001: 72)