Feminist Theories Of Religion Flashcards
How does places of worship show evidence of patriarchy and what sociologists backs this?
Often segregate the sexes and marginalise women, for example seating them behind screens while the men occupy the central and more sacred spaces. Taboos regard menstruation as polluting may also prevent participation.
For example, in Islam, menstruating women are not allowed to touch the Qur’an.
Jean Holm described this as the devaluation of women in contemporary religion.
How does sacred text show evidence of patriarchy?
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 in the Judaeo-Christian story of Genesis caused “humanity’s fall” from grace and expulsion from the garden of Eden
How does religious laws and customs show evidence of patriarchy?
May give fewer rights than men, for example in access to divorce, how many spouses they may marry, decision making, dress codes etc. Many religions legitimate and regulate women’s traditional domestic and reproductive role. For example, the Catholic Church band abortion and artificial contraception.
How does religious organisations show evidence of patriarchy and what sociologists backs this?
They are mainly-male dominated. For example, Orthodox Judaism and Catholicism forbid women to become priest.
Karen Armstrong sees women exclusion from the priesthood of most religions as evidence of their marginalisation.
Evaluation of evidence of patriarchy
Karen Armstrong argues that early religions often placed women at the centre. For example, earth mother goddesses, fertility cults and female priesthoods were found throughout the Middle East until about 6,000 years ago. However from about 4,000 years ago, the rise of monotheistic religions saw the establishment of a single, all-powerful male God.
What does Nawal El Saadawi say?
argues religion is not the direct cause of women’s subordination. Rather, this is the result of patriarchal forms of society coming into existence - once in existence, patriarchy began to influence and re-shape religion. for example, men reinterpreted religious beliefs in ways that favoured patriarchy. Thus religion now contributes to women’s oppression.
What does Woodhead say about religious feminism?
She argues that there are ‘religious forms of feminism’ - ways in which women use religion to gain greater freedom and respect. Woodhead uses the example of the hijab or veil worn by many muslim women. Some western feminists see this as a symbol of their oppression but Woodhead states some Muslim women choose to wear the hijab to escape the confines of the home and enter education and employment. For them, the hijab is a symbol of liberation that enables them to enter the public sphere without losing their culture and history.
