Gender Bias in Medieval Inquisitions and Its Place in Shaping Knowledge About the Heterodox

• In Event: 50460 - Section on Comparative-Historical Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 4: Technologies of Governance

Abstract

This study examines gender bias in the investigative practices of medieval inquisitors, focusing on Albert of Castellario’s 1335 trial of the Waldensians in Giaveno, Italy. Situating our analysis within sociological and criminological frameworks, we conceptualize inquisitorial trials as structured yet discretionary information-gathering processes shaped by the inquisitor's judgments about which leads to follow and which testimonies to prioritize. Employing social network analysis and survival methods, we evaluate whether Albert demonstrated gendered biases in his investigative decisions, particularly regarding the weight assigned to testimonies from men versus women. Our findings demonstrate that Albert systematically prioritized testimonies from male informants, even when similar levels of incriminating evidence were present for both genders. This bias highlights the significant role of societal gender norms in shaping inquisitorial practices, raising questions about the reliability and representativeness of historical records of heretical movements. Beyond showing Albert’s gendered biases, this study underscores the broader utility of our methodological framework for addressing related historical inquiries, including the political motivations behind the medieval inquisition.

Authors

• Davor Salihović, University of Antwerp

• José Luis Estévez, University of Helsinki