The Role and Value of the Women’s Informal Network : The Neighboring Women in the Book of Ruth (4:14-17)

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This paper argues for a re-examination of the role and value of the neighbor, that is, the informal network which has been overlooked in the psychological, social, and economic loss and suffering caused by the ongoing COVID-19. A research by Inga Jasinskaja-Lahti, Karmela Liebkind, Magdalena Jaakkola and Anni Reuter has shown that the interaction of the host network plays a large role in the study of the psychological well-being immigrants. This research proves that the role of neighbors formed as a host is crucial in reducing social and psychological conflicts. In addition, we can examine the role of ancient Israelite informal networks consisting of women through biblical texts and artifacts from archaeological excavations. These evidences show the significant value and role of informal networks in ancient Israel and highlight the need for a re-evaluation of the somewhat underestimated social contribution of women by bringing to the surface the role and value of the women’s informal network that were obscured in patriarchal societies. The importance of women's networks can be seen through the book of Ruth, which contains a positive evaluation of women's behavior even in a patriarchal society. In particular, this paper examines the function and value of informal women's networks through the anonymous Bethlehem women’s actions in chapter 4 of the Book of Ruth. Thus, this paper emphasizes that the role and value of informal networks in the ongoing crisis such as COVID-19 needs to be re-evaluated and underscores that it can bring a recovery back to our daily lives through informal networks.

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