The Image of the Polish Mother, and Mother of God: New Uses of the Symbolism of Motherhood

Abstract

This article is devoted to the issue of female agency in religious context. Author considers different definitions of agency and shows that it could be interpreted in the way which is different from the one typical to feminist liberal discourse. The article analyzes interconnections between religion and emancipation in Poland, showing that religion does not necessarily imply passivity and restraint. In order to prove this thesis, the author provides examples from empirical research of deeply faithful Catholic women as well as of members of new religious movement “Brahma Kumaris”. The central issue is the ways women, in their practice, interpret the symbolism of maternity and the Virgin Mary.