feminist view of religion

how do feminists view religion

religion acts as a conservative force that legitimates and reproduces the dominant patriarchal view of society - represses the female attempt to increase their autonomy

how do liberal feminists approach religion

argue that religious institutions need to be reformed to achieve equal rights and opportunities

argue that women with religious roles experience the stained-glass ceiling - they see top jobs within religion but can’t reach them

how do Marxist feminists approach religion

religion acts as an ideology that legitimises the idea that a women’s primary role is to take responsibility for religious socialisation - capitalism also benefits from their disadvantaged position

how do radical feminists view religion

men are able to dominate how religious texts are interpreted with regards to the roles and activities of men and women

how do religious organisations provide evidence for patriarchy

they are mainly male-dominated (e.g. Orthodox Judaism and Catholicism forbid women from becoming priests

Karen Armstrong views this exclusion from priesthood as evidence of marginalisation

Woodhead argues that the exclusion is evidence of the church’s deep unease about the emancipation of women generally

how do places of worship provide evidence of patriarchy

they often segregate the sexes and marginalise women

women’s participation may be restricted - taboos regarding menstruation, pregnancy and childhood may prevent

Jean Holm describes taboo preventing participation as the devaluation of women in religion

how do sacred texts provide evidence of patriarchy

largely feature the doings of male gods, prophets, etc

written and interpreted by men

stories reflect anti-female stereotypes (e.g. Eve and garden of eden)

how do religious laws and customs provide evidence of patriarchy

may give women fewer rights - e.g. marriage, divorce, dress, etc

religious influence on cultural norms may also lead to unequal treatment

legitimate and regulates women’s traditional domestic/ reproductive role (e.g. Catholic Church bans abortion)

what are 2 limitations of the feminist view of religion

some feminists argue that many early religions feature prominent goddesses and other female figures - patriarchal societies have changed religion in order to ensure it reflects their values

Armstrong argues that most religious people view God with no pronouns - men don’t have higher power to support their control