Feminist Theories Of Religion

Question 1

Religion oppresses women

Answer 1

De Beauvoir’s book the second sex portrays religion as an instrument of domination. Religious organisations are usually led by men who claim their authority comes from god. Religion teaches women to be passive and obey their husband to be rewarded in heaven. Religious stories often reflect anti female stereotypes such as the story of genesis where eve caused the original sin. This stops change and keeps women in their place.

Question 2

Evaluation of religion oppresses women

Answer 2

Religion is not the direct cause of women’s subordination but rather the patriarchal forms of society. Patriarchy began to influence religion and men interpreted religious beliefs in a way that favoured patriarchy. Eg- the Greek gods were women

Question 3

Religion maintains patriarchy

Answer 3

Religious organisations are mainly male dominated despite the fact that women often participate more than men in these religions. Catholicism banned women from becoming priests. Pentecostalism sees men as the head of the house. Women face a stained glass ceiling where they cannot get the top jobs within religion

Question 4

Evaluation of religion maintains patriarchy

Answer 4

Religious organisations do not maintain patriarchy as there has been a march of progress in religion. The Church of England has allowed women to become priests and in some mosques men and women pray together

Question 5

Religion segregates the sexes

Answer 5

Places of worship often segregate the sexes and women are forced to sit behind screens whereas men worship in the more sacred spaces. Women are not allowed to preach or read from sacred texts. Women who are pregnant or menstruating are not allowed to touch the quaran

Question 6

Evaluation of religion segregated the sexes

Answer 6

There are religious forms of feminism which women use to gain freedom and respect. Some women wear hijabs to symbolise their reisistance to oppression and escape the confines of their home as it frees them from the male gaze

Question 7

Evaluation of religious laws and customs

Answer 7

Religious laws and customs give women fewer rights than men. In Islam a man can verbally initiate divorce whereas the woman can’t. Religion also reinforces traditional gender role within the family as the taliban have now banned girls from getting an education which forced them into the expressive role.

Question 8

Evaluation of religious laws and customs

Answer 8

Religion empowers women as nams such as crystal healing and meditation help women cope with their low status in society. It offers women a place to escape the work and home sphere and empower them to find their authentic identities. Women get get top postitions in these movements