English sentence explanation?

It would help if we knew that “this” is.

It’s about changing women roles in Jewish orthodoxy through analytic reading of Jewish law.

“Changing gender roles in the synagogue was made socially possible only through intense and intricate readings and interpretations of ancient texts. It is a movement, that is, at its core, built on verbiage and textual analysis. ”

OK. I may be off base then the response you have in your detail sounds like someone is saying “It’s a load of crap and doesn’t reflect actual society.”

I need some help, people!!

In this context, I would say the author is trying to communicate that a Doctorate implies the person who has a Doctorate is perceived as a logical and scientific authority, even when the Doctorate is in the social sciences.

In order to change gender roles, people with Doctorates were taken more seriously and listened to more closely than those without. People who wished to change gender roles, would want to get their Doctorates in order that they could be fully effective.

“Changing gender roles in the synagogue was made socially possible only through intense and intricate readings and interpretations of ancient texts. It is a movement, that is, at its core, built on verbiage and textual analysis. Perhaps this is reflected in the large number of academics and PhD’s in this population. The doctorate, especially in the social sciences where all but three of the academics specialize, reflects a creative though ultimately analytical approach to social issues.”

It is saying that overtime, the roles of women and men in the Jewish synagogue has changed. This change has occured through a better understanding of the Torah and other old religious books and writings. The people who have brought about this change and who have a better understanding of the ancient religious writings are people with PHDs. Mostly people with doctorates who specialize in social sciences. This is because this type of education teaches how to break down and analyze social issues like women and men in the Jewish religion. To prove this, look at the number of people with PhDs who are Jewish.

Thank you for all for answering. I’m not sure what is the meaning of “especially in the social sciences where all but three of the academics specialize”. Is it that all of the doctorates (but 3) were specializing in social science?

That is what I took it to mean, @rmoses1. Were there specific academics listed in the writing you quoted?

No.
Thanks.

In my opinion, “social sciences” is oxymoronic! : )

@bkcunningham I gave you a “great answer” but I have one question. Is the author saying that the number of people in the Jewish community with PhDs has increased, or the number of Jewish women with PhD’s have increased?

@Skaggfacemutt, I can’t tell from the information provided.

1. “Perhaps” suggests that this is continuation, and perhaps there is something that has gone behind.

2. Perhaps this is reflected in the large number of academics and PhD’s in this population.
What is “this” that is reflected? Go to next sentence to find out.
The doctorate, especially in the social sciences where all but three of the academics specialize, reflects a creative though ultimately analytical approach to social issues.

3. Some inferences may be drawn.
The population being considered seems to be well educated (1st sentence).

Remember, when there are two clauses in a sentence, the author almost always emphasizes on the latter clause. That means, author thinks what comes at the end is more important.