Women and Aged Disability: A Study of Naomi’s Gender identity and its Transformation in the Book of Ruth

Abstract

This paper attempts to investigate Naomi’s gender identity and its transformation based on the integration of feminist and aged disability perspectives. Focusing on dismantling and restoration of Naomi’s  gender identity in the story of Ruth, the investigation exposes how such a transformation is related to the norm of womanhood set in the patriarchal society of biblical Israel. Naomi’s case reflects how the patriarchal values of ancient Israel obscured and shaped identities of the post-menopausal women, some of the most vulnerable members of the society. This investigation offers contemporary readers an opportunity to contemplate similar instances within their own communities and to reflect on what different individuals and communities can do to protect the dignity and well-being of the oppressed.