Radical feminism

Question 1

explain how religion legitimates the gender hierarchy

Answer 1

De Beauvoir - religion instrument of male domination - claim their authority comes from god - divine right of kings

women closer to god if passive - false consciousness to keep them in place + Genesis

Question 2

How does religion maintain patriarchy

Answer 2

religious organisations are mainly male dominated + prevent women from progressing e.g. catholicism

stained glass ceiling

Question 3

Religion segregates the sexes

Answer 3

Places of worship marginalise women - men occupy central scared spaces

women not able to preach + taboos against menstruation - Islam - devalues women

Question 4

Religion is an instrument of male domination

Answer 4

Religious laws give women less rights than men - dress codes - Islam

Religious influences on cultural norms can also lead to unequal treatment e.g. Female genital mutilation

religious legitimate women’s expressive role