radical feminist theories of religion

Question 1

religion legitimates the gender hierarchy

Answer 1

men usually control religious organisations and claim their authority comes from God. some religions portray women as being closer to god but only if they are passive which gives women the false belief that their suffering will be rewarded in heaven. e.g story of adam and eve reflect women as bad and are anti-female.

Question 2

religion maintains patriarchy

Answer 2

religions are male dominated and women’s exclusion from the priesthood is evidence of their marginalisation. women face a stained glass ceiling as they cannot reach top positions in religious organisations.

Question 3

religion segregates the sexes

Answer 3

places of worship often segregate the sexed and marginalise women by seating them behind screens while men occupy the more sacred spaces. women’s participation may be restricted, for example not being allowed to preach or read from sacred texts e.g in islam, menstruating women are not allowed to touch the Quran

Question 4

religion is an instrument of male domination

Answer 4

religious laws and customs may give women fewer rights than men e.g in access to divorce. religious influences on cultural norms may also lead to unequal treatment, such as genital mutilation. many religions legitimate and regulate women’s traditional, domestic and reproductive role e.g catholic church bans abortion.