topic1 theories of religion

• liberal protestant organisations

  such as: the Quakers and the Unitarians are often committed to gender equality and women play leading roles for example:

  a 1/3 of Unitarian minister are female The Church of Englan, the offical state church in England has had female priests since 1992 and female bishops since 2015

  • over a 1/5 of its priests are female
• Ronaldo

  argues that:

  even within conservative religions, women may sometimes find ways to further their own interests

  however, she notes that it is middle class urban women who are most likely to join piety movements

  • these women may already have other resources such as education and income with which to pursue their goals
• Brusco (1995-2012)


  Another way women use religion in addition to gain greater freedom and respect
• Religious forms of feminism


  • Women leverage religion to gain influence, using beliefs like men respecting women to shape behavior
  • Through activities like Bible study, women find support and share experiences
• Pentecostal group in Colombia


  • Being part of the group can empower women in their domestic roles despite the group's traditional gender role beliefs
• Piety movements


  • Uphold traditional teachings on women's roles, modesty, prayer, and Bible study, including Pentecostal and evangelical groups and certain non-Christian religions