This volume contains a collection of studies describing and analysing stereotypes of women in the religions of Ancient Israel and Mesopotamia, and in Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Medieval Christianity, Islam, Indian Sufism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Tibetan religions, and modern Neopaganism.

In all these traditions the stereotypes are based on generalisations, which are socially, culturally, or religiously legitimised and seem to have a lasting influence on society's conceptions of women. They represent oversimplified opinions, which are however regularly challenged by the women who are affected by them.

In all traditions, the stereotypes are ambiguous, either because women have challenged their validity, or because historical developments in society have reshaped them. They influence public opinion by emphasising dominant views, as a strategy to restrain women and keep them controlled by the rules and morals of male-dominated society.