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Copyright of Studi e Materiali di Storia delle Religioni is the property of Editrice Morcelliana S.p.A. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Studi e Materiali di Storia delle Religioni is the property of Editrice Morcelliana S.p.A. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

By highlighting the spiritual contribution that women could develop and express within their monasteries, the present essay attempts to redress the balance of an overall negative judgement of women monasteries as restricting institutions. According to historical data, monasteries were acting more like prisons to passive victims, than (sometimes last-resort) opportunities when other alternatives in life might have actually turned out even more restrictive and limiting to these women. Though in itself not a consolation, figures such as Irene of Chrysobalanton and Kassia emerge as ambassadors of such freedom that could be gained by women within monastic institutions. The contribution of women to their own spiritual guidance, as well as that of other laymen, and to the liturgical life of the church appear as outstanding achievements even against the background of the political function of monasteries as enforced places of penance for aristocratic women in disgrace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]