Feminism

• Where can we see evidence of patriarchy?

  Feminists argue that we can see patriarchy through religious organisation, place of worship, sacred texts and religious law and customs
• How can patriarchy be seen in religious organisation?

  Religious organisations are mainly male-dominated despite the fact that women often participate more than men in these organisations. Karen Armstrong (1993) see women's exclusion from the priesthood of most religions as evidence of their marginalisation
• How can patriarchy be seen in places of worship?

  Places of worship often segregate the sexes and marginalise women, for example seating them behind screens while the men occupy the central and more sacred spaces. Also, women's participation may be restricted (e.g. not being allowed to read sacred texts)
• How can patriarchy be seen in sacred texts?

  Sacred texts largely feature the doings of male gods, prophets ect and are usually written and interpretated by men. Stories often reflect anti-female stereotypes- e.g. Eve who caused humanities fall from grace and expulsion from the Garden of Eden
• How can patriarchy be seen in Religious laws and customs?

  Religious laws and customs may give women fewer rights to women, for example in access to divorce, how many spouses they marry ect. Religious influences on cultural norms may also lead to unequal treatment such as genital mutilation
• How does Woodhead criticise the feminist view of religion?


  She argues that there are religious forms of feminism- ways in which women use religion to gain greater freedom and respect. For example, Woodhead uses the example of the veil used by many Muslim women, in which some choose to use it to escape the confines of the home and enter education and employment. For them, the hijab is a symbol of liberation that enables them to enter the public sphere without losing their culture and identity