Voluntary Associations in the Graeco-Roman World

John S Kloppenborg editor Stephen G Wilson editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:4th Nov '11

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Voluntary Associations in the Graeco-Roman World cover

Based upon a series of detailed case studies of associations such as early synagogues and churches, philosophical schools and pagan mystery cults, this collection addresses the question of what can legitimately be termed a 'voluntary association'.
Employing modern sociological concepts, the essays show how the various associations were constituted, the extent of their membership, why people joined them and what they contributed to the social fabric of urban life. For many, those groups were the most significant feature of social life beyond family and work. All of them provided an outlet of religious as well as social commitments.
Also included are studies of the way in which early Jewish and Christian groups adopted and adapted the models of private association available to them and how this affected their social status and role. Finally, the situation of women is discussed, as some of the voluntary associations offered them a more significant recognition than they received in society at large.

`the editors of the current volume are to be complimented for facilitating and making public these important contributions to our knowledge of social organizations and alternatives in the Hellenistic world..both in terms of historical desription and in terms of social theory` - Method and Theory in the Study of Religion, 1999

ISBN: 9780415513531

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 680g

352 pages