Feminism Essay

Evaluate the feminist view that religion has been used to cement male power and oppress and control women (33 marks)

Feminists believe that today’s society is patriarchal meaning male are dominant over women and this idea does not stop at religion. Feminists see religion as a patriarchal institution; maintaining male dominance over women by making them believe it is god’s will. Feminists believe that women are controlled by religions in several ways, for example, dress code, arranged marriage, lifestyle, and education. However, you also have to take into account that not all feminists are negative and some say that change has occurred and we are moving in the right direction and also that not all world religions or societies are as patriarchal as each other.

Karen Armstrong was a famous sociologist who believed that in today’s society religion is used to cement male power and maintain control over women. She believes that over time women have gradually been sidelined in favour of a single male god and now sees patriarchy is within a lot of world religions. An example of this is in Nicaragua and how the Roman Catholic church has the power to control women. The archbishop of the country has more power than the government itself and has ensured that the Catholic teachings are followed and this has led to women’s oppression by men. It has resulted in abortion, sex education and contraception being banned so women have been restricted to lives of large families and having to take on expressive role 24/7 meaning they can’t escape being part of a patriarchal family. Reducing their life chances massively. This allows men to keep their breadwinner role and keep that power and control over women. However, some sociologists would disagree with this one being functionalists who believe that religion role is not to oppress women but to keep social stability and allow to bring everyone together and allow equal opportunities.

Nawal El Saadawi took a completely different...