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

by John J. Winkler

Book 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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0415901235
• ISBN13: 9780415901239
• Release Date: March 1990
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 282 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

very interesting book

It's a very readable and well researched book about the sex and gender in ancient Greece.I recommend it for everybody who is interested in the Greek history, gynaikologia, sexologia, and anthoropologia.The most interesting thesis for me is the Chapter 2. of Part One ; "Laying Down the Law : The Oversight of Men's Sexual Behavior in Classical Athens",in which Mr. Winkler investigates the meanings of "kinaidos", "katapygon", "pornos" kai "kalos".