HIGHER RMPS MORALITY

Patriarchy

A system where men hold power and women are largely excluded (seen in religion, society, and media).

Case study: The Mask You Live In

Explores harmful effects of stereotypes on boys/men (e.g., toxic masculinity).

Religious Response (Conservative)

Some Christians cite passages like 1 Corinthians 11 ('man is head of woman') to justify male leadership.

Religious Response (Liberal)

Galatians 3:28 teaches equality of all in Christ; some Christians argue patriarchy is cultural, not divine.

Non-religious Response

Humanists argue everyone should freely choose their role, regardless of gender, and reject rigid stereotypes.

Male Gaze

Women are depicted through a male perspective (films, advertising); reinforces objectification.

Case study: Miss Representation (2011)

Documentary highlighting how women in media are hyper-sexualised and underrepresented in power roles.

Exploitation (Sex Work)

Many sex workers are vulnerable to abuse by pimps/clients.

Religious Response

Pope Francis: buying sex = 'torturing a woman'; calls for ending exploitation.

Non-religious Response

Humanists support legalised/regulation of brothels to protect workers, while addressing poverty and addiction as root causes.

Stigma

Sex work is judged negatively; workers often hide identity to avoid judgment.

Case study: Leeds Red Light District

Legalised area reduced police harassment but raised safety concerns.

Rape Culture

An environment where sexual violence is normalised/excused.

Case study: Game of Thrones & Handmaid’s Tale

Criticised for using rape as a plot device, reinforcing misogyny.

Statistics (Scotland 2019-20)

2343 rapes/attempted rapes reported, only 130 convictions → highlights justice gap.

Homosexual Relationships

Same-sex attraction and partnerships.

Case study: UK Timeline

Decriminalisation (1967 England, 1980 Scotland), Same-Sex Marriage (2014 Scotland).

Religious Response (Catholic)

Accepts gay people but not same-sex marriage/blessing; some argue celibacy required.

Religious Response (Church of Scotland)

Progressive: allowed openly gay ministers (2015), moving towards same-sex weddings.

Non-religious Response (Humanism)

Full support for equal rights; campaigned for marriage equality in Scotland.

Polyamory

Relationship between more than two people.

Religious Response

Most Christians reject it; Bible generally teaches monogamy.

Non-religious Response

Humanists accept it if consensual and respectful.

Sex before Marriage

Traditionally discouraged in Christianity.

Religious Response (Catholic)

Sinful outside marriage; main purpose of sex is procreation (Genesis 'be fruitful and multiply').

Religious Response (Church of Scotland)

Allows cohabitation before marriage; sees stable loving relationships as key.

Non-religious Response

Humanists: marriage not essential; commitment matters more.

Chastity

Some Christians pledge virginity until marriage (Purity Rings, USA case study).

Procreation

Sex for reproduction; key religious emphasis (especially in Catholic teaching).

Religious Response (Catholic)

Main purpose of sex; contraception banned → issues with overpopulation, HIV spread.

Religious Response (Church of Scotland)

Procreation valued but contraception permitted.

Non-religious Response

Humanists support choice and contraception for family planning.

Pleasure

Sex strengthens love and intimacy.

Religious Response (Catholic)

Allowed only in marriage, without contraception.

Religious Response (CoS)

Accepts pleasure as enriching relationships, not limited to reproduction.

Sex for Money (Prostitution)

Exchanging sex for payment.

Case study: Leeds Red Light District & BBC3 Doc 'Sex, Drugs & Murder'

Examined safety and dangers in legalised areas.

Religious Response

Condemns sex work as exploitation and adultery.

Non-religious Response

Humanists: decriminalise and regulate for safety, tackle root causes (poverty, drugs).

Arranged Marriage

Organised by families, usually with consent. More cultural than religious.

Forced Marriage

Where consent is absent; illegal in UK, morally condemned.

Same-Sex Marriage

Legal in Scotland (2014).

Religious Response (Catholic)

Opposes blessing same-sex marriages, but Pope Francis supports civil unions.

Religious Response (Church of Scotland)

Ministers may choose whether to conduct same-sex weddings.

Non-religious Response (Humanism)

Campaigned for legalisation; views all relationships as equal.

Divorce

Ending a marriage.

Religious Response (Catholic)

Marriage is a sacrament, cannot be broken; only annulments allowed.

Religious Response (Protestant/CoS)

Accepts divorce as necessary in cases like abuse/unhappiness.

Non-religious Response of marriage

Marriage is a contract, so can be ended like any other.

Case study: Divorce Reform Act (UK 1969)

Made divorce easier to obtain, reflecting social change.