Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
List of Maps and Illustrations
Preface
Introduction
Tree of Blood, Tree of Milk: Patriarchy and Patricentricity in Rural Albania
The Kanun Laws of Honour and Hospitality
Who are the 'Sworn Virgins'?
Living as Men
Dress as a signifier of Gender
Asserting their Masculinity: Men and 'Sworn Virgins'
The Changing World: The Challenge Ahead
Appendices
Bibliography
Index

Promotional Information

Most people conceive of gender as an informed response to a biological imperative. But such notions are overturned by certain women in regions of Albania who elect to "become" men simply for the advantages that accrue to them as a result. This book tells the frank stories of these women.

About the Author

Antonia Young is at University College London.

Reviews

' "Women Who Become Men" is a fascinating exploration of male and female social roles, and the ways in which cross-gendering can be a response to particular social or demographic pressures.' Times Literary Supplement 'A fascinating study of the phenomena that is the Albanian sworn virgin ... The importance of this book in anthropological terms cannot be denied.' Besa for Friends of Albania ' Young has undoubtedly produced the best and most detailed study in English of the way in which gender change is handled in one European society.' Peace News 'Antonia Young's book is doubtless a very great contribution to the knowledge of historical and contemporary Balkan cultures.' Anthropology of East Europe Review ' An invaluable contribution to Albanology and anthropology in general.' Illyria 'Antonia Young has written a provocative book ... A strength of Young's book is that she clearly articulates the primary motivations for becoming a sworn virgin in Albanian society. She provides the necessary background on Albanian history and culture, particularly on household structure, which explains why sworn virgins are a necessity to their families.' Dress 'It makes easy and balanced reading, this interesting work tells about an ancient tradition in modern times.' Newsletter Albanien 'The author has treated us to a delicious appetizer ... it has made us hungry for more.' Anthropological Theory '[The book] rushes us through a medley of topics ranging from life after communism, through aprons and veils, to a wolrd tour of gender change.' SEER 'The importance of Antonia Young's book lies, first of all, in discussing a subject little known except to a few specialists and reminding us how important the institution of 'Sworn Virgins' became in in patrilineal societies of the Balkans as well as documenting their life histories, well illustrated with pictures of some of the Albanian cases.' The South Slav Journal