Liberal Feminism- Religion is force for change

Question 1

Lib fem- Religion does not oppress women AO1

Answer 1

El Sadaawi
-it is not the direct cause of their subordination , this is the result of patriarchal forms of society
patriarchy began to reshape and influence religion
Eg men reinterpreted religious beliefs in ways that favoured patriarchy
Rise of monotheism legitimates the power of men
Indias Daughter - culture is patriarchal

Question 2

Lib fem- Religious organisations do not maintain patriarchy AO1

Answer 2

Believe there has been a march of progress
Since 1992 CofE has allowed women to become priests
Since 1972 female bishops were allowed
As of 2015- 1/5 priests are female
1/3 of Unitarian ministers are women
Non Orthodox Judaism has allowed female rabbis

Question 3

Lib fem- Religious forms of feminism AO1

Answer 3

Woodhead- criticises feminist explanations that equate religion with patriarchy and the oppression of women
-not true of all religions
There are religious forms of feminism- ways women use religion to gain freedom and respect
Eg the hijab worn by many Muslim women
Western feminists see it as a symbol of oppression, to the wearer it may symbolise resistance to oppression
Woodhead- some Muslim women choose to wear the hijab to escape the confines of the home, entering education and employment, the hijab frees them from the male gaze, allowing them to enter the public sphere and maintain their culture.

Question 4

Lib fem- Religion empowers women AO1

Answer 4

New age movements often empower women rather than oppress them
-yoga, crystal healing, astrology etc
Women can reach high top positions within these movements empowering more females to take on the dominate role
Butler- British Muslims who are presented with more choice due to the hybridity of cultures and religion, women wear a headscarf as part of their identity so are embracing their religion.