Feminist Theories

Question 1

Evidence of Patriarchy

Answer 1

1. Religious Organisations
   - Male-dominated
   - Armstrong (1993): Catholicism forbids women to become priests, this is an example of their marginalisation
2. Places of Worship
   - Sex segregation
   - Taboos regarding menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth
3. Sacred texts
   - Anti-female stereotypes (Judaeo-Christian story of Adam and Eve)
4. Religious Laws and Customs
   - For the men: more rights, decision making, decisions on dress codes
   - Unequal treatment: genital mutilation, honour killings

Question 2

Religious Forms of Feminism

Answer 2

Woodhead (2010):
- Hijab or veil worn by many Muslim women
- Gilliat-Ray (2010): some girls choose to wear it to gain parental approval to enter further education/ employment
Brusco (1995,2012):
- Pentecostalism can be empowering for some women
Piety Movements
Liberal Protestant Organisations such as the Quakers, Unitarians