feminist theories

• How does Religion reproduce and legitimatise gender inequality 

  sexual apartheid. This refers to the idea that religion encourages the segregation of men and women
• What is an example of sexual arpatheid

  In Orthodox Judaism, women sit separately to men.Men sit at the front whilst woman watch from the back behind screens with tiny holes.Women sit in the worst seats with very limited views of what is happening,keeping them subordinate to men.
• What do Radical Feminists fail to consider regarding sexual apartheid in religions?

  They fail to consider how individual followers may view their roles differently.
• How do many Orthodox Jewish women perceive their role in relation to men?

  They see their role as different, rather than inferior to men.
• What would Functionalist sociologists argue about the roles of men and women in religions?

  They would argue that the roles should be different based on biological differences.
• According to Functionalist sociologists, what role should men take in worship?

  Men should take a dominant role in worship.
• Why do Functionalist sociologists believe men should take a dominant role in worship?

  Because it mirrors their instrumental role in society.
• What is the primary role of women according to Functionalist sociologists?

  Women are seen as natural caregivers.
• How do women perform their roles in public worship according to Functionalist sociologists?

  Women take a backseat in public worship due to their primary caregiving role.
• What are the key criticisms of Radical Feminists regarding sexual apartheid in religions?

  • They overlook individual interpretations of religious roles.
  • They assume all followers experience oppression similarly.
• What are the roles of men and women in religions according to Functionalist sociologists?

  • Men: Dominant role in worship, reflecting their instrumental role.
  • Women: Natural caregivers, performing expressive roles, taking a backseat in public worship.
• Another way Religion reproduces and legitimates gender inequality 

  Gender paradox.Radical feminists claim there is a contradiction in religion.On one hand,women are the main consumers (involved) in religion yet they are marginalised by religion.This maintains patriarchy as men remain in dominant,privileged positions whilst women are kept subordinate and are excluded with inferior treatment.
• Example of gender paradox

  Woman are the most involved in religious events eg. do all the cooking,preparing offerings for Gods yet aren't allowed to enter the temple when menstruating as they are seen as dirty and polluting.
• Evaluation of gender paradox

  El Sadawi argues you shouldn't blame religious scriptures for oppressing women,but rather the male interpretation of them for their own advantage.
• How does religion act as a tool of social control

  women facing a stained glass ceiling. This means that there is an invisible barrier to leadership positions in religion.Most religious leader are male,whilst most followers are female.
• Examples of women facing a stained glass ceiling

  In Islam,women generally cannot be imams

  In the Roman Catholic Church, women cannot be priests or bishops
• Evaluation of women facing a stained glass ceiling

  For example,Libby Lane became the first woman bishop of the Church of England in December 2014.

  Also, in Islam there are now a small number of female Imams.
• Another way religion acts as a tool of social control

  religious laws and customs.

  Feminists point out women are usually given fewer rights and opportunities compared to men.
• examples of religious laws and customs

  Christianity,Islam and Judaisim require women to dress modestly and ensure they are suitably covered in public.

  Behaviour -Religion controls female behaviour eg.Catholicism has strict rules on the use of contraception and abortion.

  In Islam,women are expected to pray behind men,some faiths allow men to marry more than one wife.
• Evaluation of religious laws and customs

  Badawi would criticise this, arguing that some feminists ignore how religion can be positive for women.Eg.religious rules that control muslim women can be liberating rather than oppressive - eg.wearing traditional dress provides greater security in a sexist society from unwanted male gaze.However, women aren't obligated to contribute to household expenses, a responsibility that falls solely on men.