William G. Wagner|Kathryn Barnitt
Using Statistical Analysis to Study Life within Orthodox Convents
Williams College
previous article demonstrated internal reorganization nizhnii novgorod convent exaltation cross interacted developments external environment transform convent nineteenth early twentieth centuries small community composed mainly older women predominantly widows possessed limited means large wealthy community appealed overwhelmingly young unmarried disproportionately literate women increasingly unprivileged backgroundsas analysis trends convents membership made clear decisionand women abilityto enter convent strongly influenced womans particular worldly status circumstances prospects locationusing statistical methods analysis present article demonstrates woman joined community considerations deriving communitys internal values needs outweighed worldly attributes shaping central aspects life within conventin particular neither social background level literacy influenced progress women various stages monastic vocation social background generally impact assignment obediences elevation positions leadershiprather assignment obediences appointment leadership positions appear based degree womans particular skills abilities met communitys internal criteria needsthis transcendence worldly attributes values within community helps explain appeal late imperial period especially women unprivileged