Feminist perspective of religion

3 forms of patriarchy within religion

1. Religious organisations - often male dominated even though there is higher female participation. Armstrong argues exclusion of priesthood is evidence of women’s marginalisation.

2. Places of worship - within these places sexes are often segregated, often with the men consuming the central part of the sacred spaces. Also women being restricted participation of certain things such as touching a holy book during their periods. Holm describes this as the devaluation of women in religion.

3. Religious laws and customs - men often have broader access to marriage, decision making, dress codes divorces etc.

What does Armstrong argue?

• She argued that women have not been always subordinate to men within religion. Early religions often placed women at the centre for example Earth mother Goddesses and female priesthood were found throughout Middle East until 6000 years ago. This ended from the rise of monotheistic religions when religions saw only a single all powerful male God such as Christianity and Islam.

• Armstrong argues exclusion of priesthood is evidence of women’s marginalisation

• The rise of monotheism legitimates power of men over women.

What did El Saadawi religion

She argued that while religion may be used to oppress women it is not the direct cause of their subordination. This was instead a result of patriarchy in society in which men re-interpreted into religion.

Additionally, like Armstrong she argues the rise of monotheism legitimates the power of men over women.

Woodhead + example

She criticises the feminist explanation that equate all religion with patriarchy and oppression against women. She argues there are many ‘religious forms of feminism’ ways in which females can gain greater freedom and respect.

For example she uses the hijab or veil as an example. She explains whilst many Western feminist see it as a symbol of oppression many see it as a liberation, a way to gain community approval, enter further education and employment.

What did Rinaldo discuss?

Piety movements: These are conservative movements that support traditional teachings about women’s role, modest dress, prayer and bible study. They include Pentecostal and evangelical groups, and some forms of non-Christian religions.

Rinaldo argues these groups usually involve women of the middle class who often have an education and income but want to pursue other goals.

Rinaldo argues many religious females use these groups to increase status and power within their religions.

Example of religious forms of feminism

Liberal Protestant organisations: Quakers and the Unitarians would often commit to gender equality and women play leading roles. For example, a third of Unitarian ministers are female. The Church of England, has had female priests since 1992 and female bishops since 2015. Over a fifth of priests are female