feminist view on religion Flashcards
Overarching view of feminists
Religion is an instrument of patriarchy which is responsible for women’s subordination
SOME argue religion isn’t always patriarchal
Evidence of patriarchy- religious organisations
-are mainly male-dominated despite the fact that women participate more.: 1 in 4 priests are women in the church of england
Armstrong (1993)- the exclusion of women from priesthood is evidence of women’s marginalisation
Evidence of patriarchy- places of worship
-They often segregate the sexes and marginalise women e.g. seating women behind screens while men occupy the central areas, or women not being able to preach or eat sacred texts.
Holm (2001)- describes how in Islam women aren’t allowed to touch the Qur’an when menstruating as the devaluation of women in religion.
Evidence of patriarchy: sacred texts
-Largely feature the doings of male gods and prophets.
-Usually written and interpreted by men.
-Women’s additions for the bible weren’t included.
-Stories often reflect anti-female stereotypes e.g. Eve in the story of Genesis who caused humanity’s fall from grace.
Evidence of patriarchy: religious laws and customs
-Gives women fewer rights than men, e.g. men can have more than one spouse, decision making powers.
-Dress codes- women are expected to dress more modest or wear face coverings
-Religious influence on cultural norms may lead to unequal treatment e.g. genital mutilation.
-Woodhead (2002)- argues the expulsion of women from the Catholic priesthood is evidence of the Church’s deep unease about the emancipation of women.
e.g. strict abortion laws in Poland and N.Ireland which are strongly Catholic countries.
Evaluation of evidence of patriarchy
-Feminists argue women haven’t always subordinate to men within religion.
-Armstrong (1993)- argued early religions often placed women at the centre e.g. Mother Nature, fertility cults and female priesthood were found throughout the Middle East until around 6000 years ago.
-Nawal El Saadawi (1980)- argues that religion is not the direct cause of women’s subordination, but instead the result of patriarchal forms of society coming into existence; monotheism legitimates the power of men over women.
Religious forms of feminism EVAL
Woodhead (2009):
-Not all religions oppress women, she argues there are ‘religious forms of feminism’- where women use religion to gain greater freedom + respect.
-Gillet-Ray (2010)- some young british muslim women find wearing a hijab liberating as it allows them to enter the public sphere e.g. entering further education with the approval of their parents.
Gillet-Ray (2010) EVAL
-some young british muslim women find wearing a hijab liberating as it allows them to enter the public sphere e.g. entering further education with the approval of their parents.
Brusco (1995; 2012) EVAl
-Found religion is used by women to gain status and respect for their roles within the private sphere of the home and family.
-Found belonging to the Pentecostal group in Columbia was empowering for some women: a strong belief among Pentecostals is that men should respect women.
-This gives women power to influence men’s behaviour by insisting they practice what they preach.
Piety movements EVAL
Rinaldo (2010):
-Conservative movements that support traditional teachings about women’s roles, modest dress, prayer and bible study
-Include some Pentecostal groups and evangelical groups
-Argues that even within cons religions, women find ways to further their own interests
-BUT it’s mainly M/C women who are likely to join piety movements as they already have other resources
Liberal Protestant organisations
-Quakers and the Unitarians
-Often committed to gender equality and women playing leading roles
-For example, 1/3 of Unitarian ministers are female.
