Religion as conservative force - feminism Flashcards
How does monotheism reinforce the patriarchy?
Monotheistic texts there’s evidence of patriarchy
Feminists believe in Christianity there’s extremes in images of women portrayed justifying the patriarchy
Example- Mary, pure innocent unattainable
Eve- dangerous, promiscuous, femme fatale
What does Sierling say about Jewish women?
Jewish law, men can be called to read in synagogue, women can’t
Men and women kept separate so men can focus on prayer
What is the stained glass ceiling?
Women want to be priests etc but oppression stops them
How do sacred texts show religion is patriarchal?
Make gods and prophets, written and interpreted by men
Stories give demonised view of women example- eve in bible
How is religion patriarchal shown through religious organisations?
Mainly male dominated, Judaism aims Catholicism ban women priests
Armstrong- exclusion from priesthood is evidence of womens marginalisation
How can we use laws and customs to explain patriarchy within religion?
Catholic Church bans abortion
Woodhead- exclusion of Women from priesthood evident of Catholic Churches unease about womens emancipation
What does De Beauvoir say about women in religion?
Women will be compensated for the suffering they experience in society
“Confirms social order, justifies resignation by giving hope in a sexless heaven”
What does El Sadawi say about difference feminism and religion?
Development of monotheistic religions oppresses women
Men use it to control women example- women who treated illness w-out training was declared a witch. Women weee threatening male authority so we’re contained
What did Butler conclude about Muslim women?
Muslim families put emphasis on control of Muslim women and girls as believed that whole future of community rests on them
What did some respondents say in Butlers study to show that many women do not think religion to be patriarchal itself?
Some respondents said that it is men who are to blame for controlling women and the culture of controlling was that created by a man
What does Merlin stone say about the Torah?
Torah is interpreted by men, creation story women are presented as morally weaker
In orthodox synagogue women are confined to the balcony
What does Swale say about women joining the Jewish reform?
In orthodox synagogue women confined to balcony so they don’t distract men
Defined by religion w the claim that women not expected to attend as they have more important job of bringing up children
Women therefore join Jewish reform
What did women who wished to remain part of the orthodox movement do- Swale?
Found new ways of interpreting the scriptures scriptures
Discovered commandeer today teach god’s words to “Sons” rested on translation that could equally mean “children”
What did Jewish feminists do regarding new ceremonies?
No female initiation or puberty ceremonies
Jewish feminists researched female role models in Jewish writings and made ceremonies around them
Created new models of religion to meet their own needs
What do Holm and Bowker say to evaluate this view?
Becoming a nun may be considered highly liberating- seperating from male society
What does Brusco say about Pentecostalists?
Many religions like Pentecostalists claim that men should respect women therefore women can use religion for empowerment
What has happened in Judaism that criticises this view?
Judaism has allowed female rabbis since 1972
C of E- allows for female leadership
