Religion + gender Flashcards
(12 cards)
UK church attendance
Shows that 60% of church goers are women and men are less likely to be involved in religious practice
Why are women more involved in the church?
They tend to outlive their husbands and so involvement in the church (leading church groups, volunteering) gives them something to occupy their time with
What does involvement in the church provide women with?
- community- based support
- social networks
- sense of belonging
What is Gracie Davies main point?
- The concept of ‘believing without belonging’ is more relevant to women compared to men
What does ‘believing without belonging’ involve?
Their religious values and spiritual practices still persisting even if they don’t always attend religious services regularly
Suggest why women’s participation is more spiritual and personal according to Gracie Davies
It offers women comfort and social security in a patriarchal society where they are often oppressed
What is religion a source of for women
Social and emotional support
How does religion reinforce their roles of caregivers + nurtures?
- It provides them with a cultural script to help them to manage the complexities of domestic life
- They want to display their religious values to their children
What do many religions emphasis?
the caring role
Why does the fact that many religions value the caring role encourage women to take part in religion
The women who feel marginalized in other aspects of society find that their roles are recognized and valued by their religion
Religious teachings and practices tend to reinforce…
Traditional gender roles
men: follow religious teachings which stress success, competition and leadership
women: follow religious teachings which stress self- sacrifice, devotion and family care
What are women more likely to engage in despite secularization?
New age religion
