Chapter Marta e Maria. Prospettive di genere su lavoro e ozio nella tradizione del primo cristianesimo

Abstract

The present paper attempts to analyze the relevance of work in early Christianity by adopting a gender perspective. The New Testament episode of Martha and Mary (Lk 10:38-42) will be used as a privileged case study to emphasize the connection between work and idleness against the wider theoretical background of the temporally oriented economic structure of ancient society. The episode of Martha and Mary, with its emphasis on domestic work is a highly representative case in this regard. By focusing on the nexus between temporality, economy and working activity, an attempt will therefore be made to frame female agency within the broader framework of gender roles as they were conceived in ancient Mediterranean society.