Megan Ballard

Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Edidin, Aron

Area of Concentration

Philosophy and Religion

Abstract

Historically modesty practices oppress women’s sexual autonomy. This thesis focuses on Hasidic women’s access to education regarding modesty regulations. Education on the reasoning behind modesty regulations is essential for women’s ability to conform autonomously. By analyzing the education Hasidic women receive and their emotional responses to that education, an understanding of the motivations behind conforming can be gained. Women should be granted the freedom to either conform or not conform to modesty practices, but in order for them to do that there must be an increase in transparency regarding their education on modesty regulations. Critical thinking and a strong self-concept are necessary for women to be able to conform to religious communities that have a set of required norms. By increasing education on modesty regulations and promoting the development of critical thinking skills and a strong self-concept, Hasidic women can choose whether or not they wish to conform to modesty regulations set by their community.

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