Pascale Engelmajer is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies in the Department of History, Politics, Religion and Philosophy at Carroll University in Wisconsin.

The Pali tradition presents a diverse and often contradictory picture of women. This book examines women's roles as they are described in the Pali canon and its commentaries. Taking into consideration the wider socio-religious context and drawing from early brahmanical literature and epigraphical findings, it contrasts these descriptions with the doctrinal account of women's spiritual abilities.

1. The King's daughter

2. A Buddhist theory of gender: what is a woman?

3. A woman's traditional career: from daughter to wife

4. Only Dhamma pays off the filial debt

5. Motherhood as a soteriological path

6. Bhikkhun¿s and the four assemblies

7. The Buddhist family: spiritual paths for women