Feminist interpretations of religion

• What do exploited individuals turn to as a form of consolation in dehumanizing conditions?


  Religion
• How do feminists view society in relation to religion?


  As patriarchal, based on male domination
• What do many feminists regard religion as?


  A patriarchal institution that reflects and perpetuates inequality
• What evidence of patriarchy exists within religious organizations?


  They are mainly male-dominated
• What does Karen Armstrong see as evidence of women's marginalization in religion?

  Exclusion from the priesthood
• How do religious influences affect cultural norms regarding women?


  They may lead to unequal treatment
• What does Woodhead argue about the exclusion of women from the Catholic priesthood?


  It reflects the Church's unease about women's emancipation
• What does Karen Armstrong argue about early religions and women's roles?


  They often placed women at the center
• What significant change occurred with the rise of monotheistic religions?


  The establishment of a single, all-powerful male God
• According to Nawal El Saadawi, what is the cause of women's subordination?


  Patriarchal forms of society
• How did patriarchy influence religion according to El Saadawi?


  Men reinterpreted religious beliefs to favor patriarchy
• What does Linda Woodhead criticize about feminist explanations of religion?


  They equate religion solely with patriarchy
• What does Woodhead argue about 'religious forms of feminism'?

  They allow women to gain greater freedom and respect
• How do some Muslim women view the hijab according to Woodhead?


  As a means of liberation
• What is the perspective of some young British Muslim women regarding the hijab?


  It helps them gain parental approval for education and employment
• Who is Mary Daly?


  A Radical Feminist
• What does Mary Daly argue about the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible?


  It reinforces the social inferiority of women
• According to Mary Daly, why is Eve considered the second sex?


  Because God created Adam first in his own likeness
• What does Mary Daly claim about the role of men and women in the Roman Catholic Church?


  Men's mission is to preach about God, while women's mission is to listen
• How does Mary Daly's argument about women's roles in the church reflect on everyday life?


  Women are made to follow men's requests
• Who is Simone de Beauvoir?


  A Marxist Feminist
• What does Simone de Beauvoir argue about religion?


  It is oppressive to women
• How does Simone de Beauvoir view the role of religion in society?


  As a tool used by oppressors (men) to control the oppressed group (women)
• What false belief does Beauvoir claim religion gives to women?


  That they will be compensated for their suffering in heaven
• Who is El Saadawi?


  A Muslim Feminist
• What does El Saadawi study?


  Women's oppression in the Arab world
• What does El Saadawi argue about Arab girls?


  They are often victims of male sexual aggression
• What oppressive practice does El Saadawi mention that Arab girls are forced into?


  Female circumcision
• According to El Saadawi, what is the root cause of women's oppression in the Arab world?


  Patriarchal ideology in religion
• How does El Saadawi view monotheistic religions in relation to women's oppression?


  They lead to the oppression of women
• What example does El Saadawi use to illustrate the oppression of women in Islam?


  Authority belongs to the man as the head of the family
• What does the Qur'an state about adultery for men and women?


  Both can be stoned to death, but men are rarely punished
• How does the allowance of multiple wives affect the punishment for men in cases of adultery according to El Saadawi?


  Men are allowed to have many wives and divorce, unlike women
• What do feminists argue about religion regarding women?

  Religion shows evidence of women's oppression
• What are the four ways feminists argue religion oppresses women?

  1. Sacred texts
  2. Places of worship
  3. Religious laws and customs
  4. Religious organisations
• How do sacred texts contribute to the oppression of women?

  They feature male gods and negative portrayals of women
• What restrictions do women face in places of worship?

  Rules preventing full participation, like touching holy books
• What does Holm refer to regarding women's status in contemporary religion?

  The devaluation of women
• How do religious laws and customs affect women's rights?

  They can give women fewer rights than men
• How do religious laws influence societal governance?

  They can regulate women's traditional roles