Theories of religion Flashcards
Beliefs in society
What are the four places in which feminists see religion being used to opress women?
1= Religious organisations
2= Places of worship
3= Sacred texts
4= Religious law
How do feminists argue religious organisations opress women?
They are mainly male dominated, despite females having higher attendance than men. Additionally, orthodox Judaism and Catholosism forbid women to become priests, and Karen Armstrong suggests this is evidence for their marginalisation.
How do feminists argue places of worship opress women?
They argue that segregation in places of worship, limited participation, such as not being able to preach, is evidence for their marginalisation despite having higher attendance than males.
How do feminists argue sacred texts opress women?
They argue that they largely feature the doings of male Gods and prophets, and are written / interpreted by men. Stories also often reflect anti-women stereotypes, such as Adam and Eve.
How do feminists argue that religious laws opress women?
In religion, women tend to have fewer rights than men, which has influenced cultural norms leading to uneual treatment in society.
Who said this?
“Religion is oppressive to women and used by men to control women. It compensates women for their second class status and gives them false belief that they will be compensated in heaven”
Simone de Beauvoir (1953)
El Sadawi (1980) has an alternative feminist perspective on religion. What was it?
El Sadawi suggested that religion isnt oppressive, and that it is the male domination that is the problem. Scriptures are written and interpreted by men.
Woodhead (2002) has an alternative feminist perspective on religion. What was it?
Woodhead suggested that things such as the hijab can be used as ‘religious feminism’, used to gain freedom and act as a symbol against oppression. It allows them to enter education and employement.
What is the existential security theory?
Norris & Inglehart say that religiosity is based on how secure people feel in their lives. As, if you feel secure in your life, there is no need for religion. Poorer societies tend to be more religious than rich societies.
