Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of the relationship between gender and religious beliefs and practices. - 20

PARAGRAPH 1

Feminists highly regard religion as a patriarchal institution that reflects and perpetuates this inequality. In this case, religious beliefs function as a patriarchal ideology that legitimises female subordination. There is evidence of this patriarchy in religious organisations which are mainly male- dominated even though women offer more than mane in such organisations. One example is the fact that, Orthodox Judaism and Catholicism forbid women to become priests. Karen Armstrong sees women's exclusion from the priesthood of most religions as evidence of their marginalisation. Also, 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 places.

PARAGRAPH 1 - CRITICISM

However, Woodhead criticises feminist explanations that simply equate religion with patriarchy an the oppression of women. She also argues that there are 'religious forms of feminism' ways in which women use religion to gain greater freedom and respect. For example, Woodhead says that whereas some see the veil worn by women as a form of oppression, to the wearer it may symbolise resistance to oppression.

INTRO

Many feminist sociologists argue that religious institutions and beliefs help legitimise gender inequality. Like Marxists, feminists argue that religion is a source of domination and oppression. However, unlike Marxism, they see religion as a product of patriarchy, rather than capitalism. They argue that religion is patriarchal in that women are exploited by men and seen as subordinate. Feminist sociologists are interested in how women have become subservient and how religion has promoted patriarchy.

PARAGRAPH 2

Some feminists, such as Simone De Beauvoir, argue that women are sold a false ideology by religious teachings which encourages them to believe that they will get their reward in heaven and should therefore be committed and devoted to their faith. Glock and Stark (1965) put this down to women experiencing more deprivation - material, spiritual and relative - than men, because of patriarchy. As such, this is a similar explanation for why working-class and minority-ethnic groups are more likely to join sects as well.

PARAGRAPH 2 - CRITICISM

Some sects are very male-dominated and can have quite extreme and conservative views about the role of women in society. As such, one might expect fewer women to be attracted to such sects. An example of this would be New Christian Right churches in the USA which often have uncompromising positions on the role of women and also on issues such as abortion

PARAGRAPH 3

Woodhead (2005) has suggested that churches have become feminised. She argues that secularisation has had a bigger impact on men than women. This is echoed by Bruce, who suggests that as religion becomes more a private matter than a public one, it appeals more to women, particularly women who perform a domestic role and look after children.

PARAGRAPH 3 - CRITICISM

the data that these conclusions are based on can be questioned. Women would appear to attend church more than men, but that does not necessarily mean that they are more likely to believe in their chosen faith. Women may attend church for other reasons (form and keep friendships, support with their families, etc.) and men who do not attend church may still have a religious faith.