Feminism View On Religion Flashcards
Feminist view on Religion?
See religion as a Form of compensation for the oppression of woman
4 way which religion can promote patriarchy?
Through religious scripture/teachings
Through religious ceremonies and practices
Through the structure or religious organisation
Through the religious laws and customs
What does Simone de Beauvoir say about religion?
-religion oppresses women but also aim to legitimise the oppression in two ways-giving them a ‘place’ in society and rewarding them in the afterlife.
-The patriarchal organisation of religion ensures that women are ‘kept in their place’ so to speak
-Women then help this ideology to be passed on through to the next generation through religious socialisation.
What does Mary Daly say about religion?
-She agrees that religion is based on patriarchal structures and ideals. However, she argued that spirituality could offer an alternative for women to harness their own potential.
-She argued for the progress of ‘Goddess’ religion. Women should be held higher in the hierarchy than they are in the traditional forms of religion.
What does Linda Woodhead say about religion?
-Woodhead provides a similar view to Daly, she saw the potential for a ‘divine feminine’ within society.
-Woodhead suggested that spirituality can empower women
What does Nawal el Saadawi say about religion?
-Focuses on Islam
-Found that it was not religion that aimed to control women but rather the patriarchal society that religion was part of. Therefore, religion is often used to justify men’s control over women. Particularly women’s body and activities.
-This oppression is often legitimised through the manipulation of religious texts
