feminism and religion Flashcards
how do feminists view religion
Feminists see society as patriarchal- that is, based on male domination.
Many Feminists regard religion as a patriarchal institution that reflects and perpetuates this inequality. This is despite the fact that the formal teaching of religion stresses equality between the sexes.
evidence of patriarchy
religious organisations
places of worship
sacred texts
religious laws and customs
religious organisations
RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS:
Are mainly male dominated despite the fact that women often participate more than men in these organisations. E.G: Orthodox Judaism and Catholicism forbid women to become priests.
Armstrong (1993) sees this as evidence of women’s marginalisation
places of worship
Often segregate the sexes and marginalise women. E.G: Sitting them behind screens while men occupy the central and more sacred spaces.
They may not be allowed to preach or read from sacred texts.
In Islam, menstruating women are not allowed to touch the Qur’an. Holm (2001) describes this as the devaluation of women in religion. (It is seen as polluting!)
sacred texts
Largely feature the doings of male gods, prophets etc and are usually written and interpreted by men.
Stories often reflect anti-female stereotypes, such as Eve who caused humanity’s fall from grace and was excluded from the Garden of Eden.
religious laws and customs
May give women fewer rights than men. E.G: In access to divorce, decision making and dress code.
Religious cultural norms may also lead to unequal treatment such as genital mutilation or punishments for sexual transgressions. Many religions regulate and restrict a women’s domestic role.
For example, the catholic church bans abortion and contraception. Woodhead (2002) argues that the exclusion of women from the Catholic priesthood is evidence of the Church’s unease about the emancipation of women.
however some feminists argue that religion has not always seen women as subordinate to men
Some feminists argue that religion has not always seen women as subordinate to men.
Armstrong (1993) argues that early religion often placed women at the centre .E.G: Earth mother goddesses, fertility cults and female priesthoods were found throughout the Middle East until 6000 years ago.
However, about 4000 years ago we began to see the rise of monotheism in religion and a single all powerful male god.
Nawal El Saadwi
Nawal El Saadwi (1980) agrees that the rise of monotheism helped to legitimate the power men have over women.
Men interpreted religious beliefs that helped them maintain patriarchy.
E.G: Eve in the bible has come to be portrayed as being a temptress- this ignores her ‘knowledgeable intelligence’ described in the original old testament.
SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR
“There must be a religion for women as there must be one for the common people, and for exactly the same reasons”
She believes that religion acts for women in very similar ways to those which Marx suggested religion could act for oppressed classes. Religion can be used by the oppressor (men) to control the oppressed group (women) and that it also serves as a way to compensate women of their second class status.
Men usually control religious organisations and claim that their authority comes from God. E.G: for Christians, man is master by divine right. This divine right means that the fear of God will prevent women from revolting. (link back Marx)
Women are fooled into thinking their position is equal to men, when really they are the second sex!
Evaluation (religious forms of of feminism)
Woodhead (2009): There are some religions that are NOT patriarchal! In fact, she believes that religion can be used by women to rid themselves of patriarchy. Woodhouse describes this as a religious form of feminism.
Women also use religion to gain status and respect for their roles in the home. E.G: the hijab or veil worn by many Muslim women. While western feminists tend to see it as a symbol of oppression, to the wearer it may be a means of liberation.
Gilliat-Ray (2010): some young British Muslim women choose to wear the hijab in order to gain parental approval to enter further education and employment.
Brusco (2012): Belonging to a Pentecostal group can be empowering for some women. Despite the strong belief in traditional gender roles that such groups hold, women are able to use religion to increase their power and influence.
piety movements
Rinaldo (2010) sees this pattern as typical of ‘piety movements’.
the are conservative movements that support traditional teaching about women’s role, modest dress, prayer and Bible study. They include Pentecostals and evangelical groups, and some forms of non-Christian religions.
Whilst these conservative religions do allow women a chance to further their own interests, she does note that is more likely to be middle-class women who are more likely to join such movements.
liberal protest organisations
Such as the Quakers and the Unitarians, are often committed to gender equality and women play leading roles.
The Church of England has had female priests since 1992 and female bishops since 2015. Over 1/5 of its priests are female!
marginalise
MARGINALIZE is to relegate to an unimportant or powerless position within a society or group.
