Middle Dutch literature from a gender perspective

The rise of the vernacular as a written language and the emergence of universities in the twelfth century were decisive elements in the gendering of literacy. They increased the gap between the latinate clerical tradition and the (oral and written) vernacular domain of women. While male authors, schooled in Latin, has access to an unlimited range of literary genres, languages and audiences, female authorship was more limited and contained. This article explores the gendering of literacy int he development of Middle Dutch literature by focusing on six female writers: Beatrijs of Nazareth, Hadewijch, Alijt Bake, Berta Jacobs, Barbara Sagers and Anna Bijns.