Feminism

• How do feminists view society?

  As patriarchal, dominated by male power
• What do many feminists believe about religious belief?

  It acts as patriarchal ideology justifying female inequality
• What evidence contradicts the idea that religion solely perpetuates patriarchy?

  Religious forms of feminism provide women freedom
• What is one function of religion according to feminists?

  To legitimate the subordination of women
• What do formal teachings of many religions claim about gender equality?

  They stress equality between the sexes
• How do places of worship often reflect gender inequality?

  By segregating sexes and marginalizing women
• In Orthodox Judaism, where do women sit during worship?

  In balconies or behind screens
• What restrictions do women face in some religious practices?

  Restrictions on preaching and reading sacred texts
• What is a taboo in Islam regarding menstruating women?

  They cannot touch the Qur'an
• How does Jean Holm describe restrictions on women in religion?

  As the devaluation of women in religion
• What rights may religious laws and customs limit for women?

  Access to divorce and marriage rights
• How can cultural norms influenced by religion affect women?

  They may lead to practices like genital mutilation
• What severe punishment can women face in Islamic Iran for dress code violations?

  Public flogging or stoning for adultery
• What does the Catholic Church ban regarding women's reproductive rights?

  Abortion and artificial contraception
• What does Karen Armstrong argue about women's roles in early religions?

  Women were often placed at the center
• What shift occurred with the rise of monotheistic religions?

  A single male God became dominant
• How do religious organizations often reflect gender inequality?

  They are typically male-dominated
• What does Woodhead argue about traditional religion?

  It is often patriarchal but not universally
• How can some Muslim women view the hijab?

  As a symbol of liberation, not oppression
• What does Gilliat-Ray explain about young British Muslim women and the hijab?

  They may wear it for parental approval
• What does the French government's stance on the burqa illustrate?

  Religious dress can be seen as oppressive
• How do women use religion to gain status in the private sphere?

  By increasing power and influence over men
• What did Brusco find about Pentecostal groups in Colombia?

  They empower women to influence men
• What limitation does Rinaldo note about women in piety movements?

  They are often middle-class and resourceful
• What question arises about 'religious forms of feminism'?

  Are they true examples of female liberation?
• How do Marxists view the relationship between religion and oppression?

  As ideological control creating false consciousness
• What do postmodern feminists argue about women's role in religion?

  It is about choice rather than patriarchy
• What criticism do postmodernists have of traditional feminist approaches?

  They oversimplify the role of religion
• What does El Sadaawi argue about the cause of female subordination?

  It stems from patriarchal domination, not religion
• What historical action did the Catholic Church take against women in the 14th century?

  Declared women treating illnesses could be executed
• What empirical support did Jean Holm provide regarding women in religion?

  Women have a subordinate status in practice
• What does Saadawi's research suggest about women in faiths?

  They face disadvantages in Muslim and Christian faiths
• What recent changes have occurred in some religions regarding women's roles?

  Judaism and Church of England allow female leaders
• What does the rise of Fundamentalism indicate about women's oppression?

  It has increased control over women's rights
• How does secularization affect religion's power in Britain?

  It reduces religion's influence over people
• What percentage of UK adults attended church regularly in 2007?

  15%
• What question does the low church attendance raise about religion's function?

  How can it be argued to have a function?