The conception of being a woman in Edith Stein

Eve, Mary and Catholic Feminism

Abstract

Edith Stein was the second woman to earn a doctorate in philosophy in Germany. She faced firsthand the challenges of being a woman, particularly when she attempted to secure a university teaching position but was rejected, as it was uncommon at the time for women to teach at higher education institutions. A disciple of Edmund Husserl, she became acquainted with his work through Logical Investigations. The influence of her mother, Auguste, on her development and her view of womanhood is undeniable. Auguste took over the family business after the death of her husband and prioritized education in their household. After encountering Husserl's work, Stein decided to move from Breslau to Göttingen. She converted to Catholicism in 1921 after reading The Book of Life by Teresa of Ávila. These two pillars—her mother and her faith—served as the foundation and guide for her perspective on women. This study aims to demonstrate Stein's vision of womanhood, drawing primarily on her book Essays on Woman along with supporting texts. It also highlights the significance of Mary not only as the mother of God but also as a woman.

eywords: Woman. Feminism. Maria. Eve. Christ.