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This book engages with masculinity in modern and contemporary Buddhism in Sri Lanka (1850-today) through the lens of exemplary male religious leaders, politicians and the culture of boys' education since the late nineteenth century. Through mixed methods, archival and original historical source material such as newspapers, school archives, oral history and ethnography, this book analyses the dynamic power structures of hegemonic masculinity within this hegemonic religious context of Buddhist nationalism in Sri Lanka. The book adds to existing scholarship through a new perspective and approach as well as new material and new connections drawn between that material. It is a perfect read for scholars working in the intersection of gender, religion and power.
List of contents
Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. The Ideal Buddhist Monk.- Chapter 3. Olcott Schools and Colonial Hangovers.- Chapter 4. Charisma, Sexuality, Race.- Chapter 5. The Power of Kinship and Masculinity.- Chapter 6. Conclusion.
About the author
Jessica A. Albrecht has completed her PhD in Religious Studies at the University of Heidelberg with summa cum laude. She holds a master's in Gender History and South Asian Languages. Her previous publications (20 published articles and book chapters) also feature this interdisciplinary approach. Furthermore, she has been teaching on South Asian religion and gender in religious studies for five years on undergraduate and graduate level. The author is active in science communication and public scholarship. She has a blog, podcast and social media sites on which this book can be featured. In addition, her work has previously been featured on other academic and public scholarship blogs and podcasts.
Summary
This book engages with masculinity in modern and contemporary Buddhism in Sri Lanka (1850-today) through the lens of exemplary male religious leaders, politicians and the culture of boys’ education since the late nineteenth century. Through mixed methods, archival and original historical source material such as newspapers, school archives, oral history and ethnography, this book analyses the dynamic power structures of hegemonic masculinity within this hegemonic religious context of Buddhist nationalism in Sri Lanka. The book adds to existing scholarship through a new perspective and approach as well as new material and new connections drawn between that material. It is a perfect read for scholars working in the intersection of gender, religion and power.
