שיעורן היחסי של הנשים בחברה היהודית בעת העתיקה

The aim of this paper is to discuss an unknown social aspect of Jewish history: sex ratio, i.e., the quantitative difference between the number of men and women in a certain society. In this interdisciplinary study, this socio-demographic aspect is discussed with reference to data emerging from several societies, places and times. Historical data from archeological as well as literary sources, related to Jews and non-Jews alike, is presented starting from the 20th century, backwards in time, to antiquity, while attempting to provide an explanation for the “impossible” figures. It is argued that the differences in sex ratio derive from agricultural developments, specifically, the role of women in a certain agricultural society. In other words, changes in agriculture resulted in changes in the sex ratio. Data pertaining to Jewish society from approximately 500 BCE – 220 CE, a period known as a longue durée, is analyzed in order to explain the changes that occurred between biblical times and the Mishnaic period, i.e., the Roman epoch. In biblical times, a price was paid for the bride given in marriage; centuries later, however, the marriage was based on a Marriage Contract (postponed payment, if at all) instituted by the Rabbis, in addition to the dowry. This change in social customs reflects a devaluation in the status of women. In fact, over several centuries, the sex ratio changed from about 145 to 120; with the increased supply of women came a decrease in demand, hence devaluation of women. The increase in the number of women compared to men was the result of improvements in agriculture over the centuries. In "Biblical times" there was a much smaller selection of foods than that developed later in Post-Biblical times. The increase in new flora and fauna required less physical strength, therefore more women could make their living out of agriculture, and this in turn raised the fertility rate that increased immigration. The presumed situation in the Land of Israel, namely, the changes in sex ratio related to agricultural, are compared with the situation in India (changes in time dimension are compared to changes in local dimension).