Feminist Views on the Role of Religions

• What view did Simone De Beauvoir take regarding religion and women?

  She saw religion as exploiting and oppressing women
• How did De Beauvoir's view differ from traditional Marxists?

  She focused on women's oppression, not workers'
• What did De Beauvoir argue religious faiths encouraged women to be?

  Meek and tolerant of inequality
• What are the ways religion can promote patriarchy?

  Through scripture, ceremonies, and power relations
• How are women portrayed in many religious teachings?

  As nurturing and caring figures
• What consequence arises if women deviate from gender stereotypes in religion?

  They deviate from God's will and family expectations
• What is a common characteristic of religious texts regarding gender?

  They are predominantly written and interpreted by men
• What restrictions do religious organisations often impose on women?

  Rules on abortion, contraception, and marriage
• What is purdah in Islam seen as by some feminists?

  As exemplifying and entrenching patriarchy
• How do some religious organisations conduct worship?

  Men and women worship separately
• How are menstruation and pregnancy viewed in many religions?

  As impure or ungodly
• What does Jean Holm suggest about restrictions on women's participation in religion?

  They contribute to the devaluation of women
• What is the gender composition of senior positions in most religious organisations?

  Mostly men, with few exceptions
• What is the stance of the Roman Catholic Church regarding female clergy?

  All senior positions are held by men
• What is the debate among Islamic scholars regarding female Imams?

  Whether women can lead prayers
• When did female Rabbis first appear?

  Since the 1970s
• What does Karen Armstrong argue about the exclusion of women from the priesthood?

  It exemplifies women's marginalisation
• What does Linda Woodhead suggest about the exclusion of women in religion?

  It reflects resistance to women's freedom
• What is a traditional expectation of women in religious organisations?

  To serve tea and cakes after services
• What are the differing feminist views on the role of religion?

  • Some see religion as inherently patriarchal
  • Others argue early religions had prominent goddesses
  • Karen Armstrong links monotheism to patriarchy
  • Nawal El Sadaawi sees patriarchy as the root cause
  • Linda Woodhead discusses "religious feminism"
• What does Nawal El Sadaawi argue about the cause of women's oppression?

  Patriarchal society, not religion itself
• How does Linda Woodhead view the veil in Islamic societies?

  As a positive and liberating choice for women
• What do some women in restrictive societies use face veils for?

  To empower themselves and gain employment
• How do some women in western countries view wearing veils?

  As a way to escape the male gaze
• What trend is observed regarding religion in western democracies?

  Increasing female dominance in attendance
• What would De Beauvoir argue about women's attendance in religious services?

  Women are targeted by ideological messages