Feminism Flashcards
What is the main feminist view of religion
Serves interests of make social groups - patriarchal, male dominated, serving interests of men
What are the origins of gender inequality in religion
Armstrong: not always patriarchal, early history women central to spirituality, goddesses
Advent of monotheistic religions e.g. judaism, Christianity, Islam, replaced polytheistic religion
All gods portrayed as male
Why does Hold argue there is a gender inequality in major religions
Public sphere of religion, important positions are held and public pronouncements are made, men always dominate
Why are there gender inequalities in places of worship
Many religions separate male and female worshippers
Why are there taboos in religion causes gender inequalities
Regards to menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth
Devaluation of women
Why is women being made to cover their hair a gender inequality of religion
Some forced undergo circumcision name of Islam
Sharia Law treating women differently (rape/adultery)
Criticism of women being forced to cover their hair as a gender inequality
Some find it liberating - protection from male gaze
How do religious teachings reinforce social inferiority of women
Created limited lifestyles
Women portrayed as evil
Old Testament: Eve tempted Adam
How do religious teachings reinforce familiar role of women
Women should be nurturing
E.G. Mary mother of Jesus
How are religious laws and customs a sign of gender inequality
Women given few rights
Religion influences cultural norms and may lead to unequal treatment (FGM, harsher punishments for women sexual transgressions)
Legitimise and regulate women’s traditional role
Catholic Church: bans abortion and contraception
Who researches in to the Hidden Face of Eve
Nawal El Saadawi
Outline how The Hidden Face of Eve leads to gender inequality in religion
Egyptian feminist concerned oppression women in Islamic Arabic world. Argues practice such as female circumcision not result Islam but make misinterpretation if Qur’an, distort true beliefs and justify exploitation of women
Strengths of feminist contribution to religion
Historical and cross cultural evidence to support
Highlights the gender inequalities
Weaknesses of the feminist approach to religion
Incomplete
A nun = repressive and limiting but also liberating
Research interviews: Watson veiling is liberating
Gender neutral todays society: wife obeying is optional in marriage vows
Why does Holm argue there are ‘Signs of Hope’
Since 1992 Church of England decided to obtain women
