Feminist theories of religion Flashcards
feminists see society as…
patriarchal
how are religious institutions patriarchal?
they reflect and perpetuate gender inequality
religious beliefs are patriarchal believes that legitimate….
women’s subordination
examples of patriarchy in religion
religious organisations, places of worship, sacred texts, religious laws and customs
how is religious organisations patriarchal?
- male-dominated e.g Orthodox Judaism and catholicism forbid women from becoming priests
how does Armstrong (1993) see women’s exclusion from priesthood?
evidence of their marginalisation
how are places of worship patriarchal?
- often segregate the sexes and margebise women in acts of worship
- taboos over menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth as polluting
how are sacred texts patriarchal?
largely male gods and prophets and reflect anti-female stereotypes. e.g. Eve causing humanity’s fall from grace and explosion from the garden of eden
how are religious laws and customs patriarchal?
- often give women fewer rights than men e.g. divorce and dress codes
- unequal treatment e.g. genital multilation and punishment for sex
- legitmise women’s trad. domestic role
what does Woodhead argue abt religion and the patriarchy?
though much of traditional religion is patriarchal, this is not true of all religion
what does Woodhead argue there is?
religious forms of feminism - ways women use religion to gain greater freedom and respect
in what ways do muslim women use religion as a way to gain greater freedom and respect?
the hijab may symbolise resistance to oppression; a symbol of liberation, enter public sphere w/o loosing her culture or history
Rinaldo - religious feminism in conservative religions
gain status and respect
