Beliefs In Society- Gender And Religiosity Flashcards
What do statistics show about gender and religious participation?
Women show greater interest, commitment and participation rates than men (e.g., 1.8 million female vs 1.3 million male churchgoers in 2005).
What recent trend has been observed in women’s religious practice?
16% decrease among women aged 30-45.
What reasons do Miller and Hoffman give for women’s greater religiosity?
Gender socialization makes women more passive/obedient (qualities valued by religion) and part-time work gives more time for religious activities.
What do Halman and Draulans say about women’s roles and religion?
Women take responsibility for children’s moral upbringing, making religious practice part of parenting.
How does Davie explain women’s attraction to religion?
Women associate God with love/caring (feminine qualities) while men associate God with control.
Why might women be closer to “ultimate questions” about life?
Their involvement in childbirth and elderly care brings them closer to death-related existential questions.
How does life expectancy affect women’s religiosity?
Longer lifespan means more widows living alone who may turn to religion for comfort.
Why are women attracted to New Age Movements according to Bruce?
Child-rearing makes them less aggressive/more caring, aligning with New Age values like well-being.
What did Heelas and Woodhead find about gender in holistic milieu?
80% of participants in Kendall’s holistic milieu were women.
Why might women experience more deprivation according to Glock and Stark?
Material, social, organismic and ethical deprivation make salvation promises in sects appealing.
How do NAMs differ from traditional religions regarding femininity according to Aldridge?
NAMs offer more positive feminine images (e.g., goddess worship) vs traditional religions’ binary views.
What three groups does Woodhead identify in women’s religious responses?
Home-centered (traditional), jugglers (NAMs), work-centered (secular).
What reasons does Brierley give for declining female participation?
Paid employment and domestic labor leave little time for religion.
Why does Brown argue women reject traditional religion?
Since 1960s, women reject traditional gender roles promoted by religions.
What three factors does Aune identify for women leaving religion?
Feminism’s influence, work-life balance pressures, disapproval of diverse family forms.
Why are women more likely to join sects?
Higher likelihood of experiencing various forms of deprivation that sects address.
What makes cults appealing to women?
Self-improvement focus and home-centered activities align with women’s needs.
Why do NAMs attract women?
They affirm women’s connection to nature through childbearing and offer higher status.
