L’educazione delle donne nel cristianesimo antico: fra modelli tradizionali e nuovi paradigmi

Abstract

In Roman society learned women were often regarded with suspicion, especially when they exhibited it in public. In accordance with philosophical views of Hellenistic times, and especially with Musonius Ruphus’ thought, Christians preached a substantial equality of men and women as to virtues and learning. In the IVth century Church Fathers created the first pedagogical program specifically elaborated for women: it was addressed to young girls who should devote themselves to virginity. Classical culture was banished; in spite of that, many Christian women, especially in the West, were more learned than we can expect.