Pre-Biblical and Old Testament rape law parallels: recurring androcentric themes in historic Biblical text

Rape legislation in ancient Near Eastern texts is very slanted in respect to a pervasive androcentric ideology that drives the punitive outcomes. Unfortunately, evidence shows the lives of women in terms of their perceived societal value are affected (often negatively) in regard to their social status; regardless of region or period. Women did not wield much social power in ancient times and the laws demonstrate resolutions for prescribed transgressions that neglected to include any consideration for the viewpoint of women; who were the primary victims of the rape offense. As a result, women suffered and were historically antagonized by the these laws which failed to protect them. This research will illuminate the disparities by examining the laws in various regions of the period and challenge the underlying themes.M.A.L.S.Includes bibliographical referencesby Jake J. Jone