The Amish and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities are often associated with strict religious adherence, a rejection of worldly things, and a traditional view of women’s obedience to men. However, women’s engagement with media in these communities reveals a more complex reality regarding the boundaries of gender roles and women’s influence.
*Strictly Observant* offers a fascinating ethnographic exploration of the nuanced relationship between women in the Pennsylvanian Old Order Amish and Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities and modern media technologies. These women regularly make choices regarding the use and non-use of media, cultivating social, cultural, and religious capital that subtly challenges the gender hierarchies within their communities. By demonstrating a keen understanding of how media can enhance their social and religious standing, these women encourage a re-evaluation of common perceptions about the Amish and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, highlight their roles as active agents of change, and provide insight into our broader relationship with media today.
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