Announcing the Final Examination of Ms. Alison A Whitmore for the degree of Master of Arts in Anthropology
Date: 06/30/2020
Time: 10:00am
Room: Via Zoom
Zoom link: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/94256499479?pwd=UFhNd1g0Umw1S3RpcHdoL1UwbzFEUT09
Meeting ID: 942 5649 9479
Thesis title: Gender in Paganism: A look into the Pagan Community of Orlando and the Gendered Interactions within it.
Religion plays an important societal organization for many people in the US. It can also be a source of strife and conflict between culture groups and within cultures. Monotheistic religions are currently dominant in Western culture, leaving polytheistic religions subordinate to hegemonic ideas about what comprises an acceptable system of belief. In the US, Abrahamic religions, most notably Christianity, are the dominant religious systems. This study presents an analysis of gender in Wicca, a neopagan polytheistic religion. One major difference between Abrahamic traditions and neopagan religions like Wicca is the dualistic worship of male and female deities in the latter. This thesis analyzes gender experience and dynamics in the Wiccan community of Orlando Florida. It is organized into two articles; the first examines gender equality and dynamics within Wicca, and the second looks at transgender experience and community perception and acceptance within neopagan groups in Orlando. Over the course of a year, I worked with Wiccan groups around Orlando. Based on this research, I argue that Wicca groups in Orlando display an egalitarian dynamic between male and female members. These groups also appear to maintain an open, accepting and encouraging atmosphere for LGBTQ+ members.
Outline of Studies:
Major: Anthropology
Educational Career:
B.A. in Anthropology, 2018, East Carolina University
Committee in Charge:
Dr. Beatriz Reyes-Foster, Chair
Dr. Joanna Mishtal
Dr. Jeanine Viau
Dr. Nessette Falu
Approved for distribution by Beatriz Reyes-Foster, Committee Chair, on June 15, 2020
The public is welcome to attend.
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