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The Patriarchal Agenda

Religious Institutions and Gender Equality

Patriarchy literally means "rule of fathers”

Patriarchal Society refers to a system of rule where men hold dominance in social or cultural systems.

Who Perpetuates This Notion?

Government

Women 14%

Underrepresented

Media

Television

Internet

Hollywood

Music Industry

Workplace

Underpaid

Underrepresented

Religion…

Patriarchal religions

Endorse concepts of misogyny and androcentrism…

Christianity

Islam

Hinduism

Judaism

Confucianism

Why is Religion so appealing?

Isaela Silberman explains that religion is a

”Meaning System” that fufulls purpose.

1. Religion provides rationalization to events that are uncertain; fulfilling purpose to our existence

2. Religion is practiced as a group and fulfills the sense of belonging innate in all humans

3. Religion provides a set of behavioral standards or ethics to which one must adhere to; fulfilling the inherent need to know how one must conduct oneself in relation to society at large

The Crusades, Spanish Inquisition, Jihads

Colonialism

the need to teach religion to children while they are still impressionable

Other reasons for the spread religion.

Practice where androcentric, chauvinism and misogyny are normalized through socialization agents incorporated in media and other mediums that foster standards viewed as between men and women.

Patriarchal Conditioning

Countless religions throughout the world yet two religions hold over 50% of relgious influenceChristianity and Islam

{ A deeper look into Gender Roles

Christianity

Patriarchal

Conditioning

Creation Story

The “Fall”

Epistles of Paul

THE BIBLE

Genesis 1:7 – Creation of ManGenesis 2:18 – Purpose of

Woman is to be Mans companion Genesis 2:21-24 - Creation of

Woman from the Rib of AdamThus Man created in likeness of God and Women in likeness of Man.

The Creation Story

Refers to the transition of mankind from a state of innocence and respect to God to a state of guilty disobedience to God.

ONE RULE

Allowed to eat from every tree except for the Forbidden tree.

The Fall of Man

Serpent convinces Eve to eat

fruit

Eve Eats Fruit

Eve Convinces Adam to Eat Friut

Fall of Mankind

The Fall of Man Genesis Chapter 3

13 Letters of the Apostle Paul located in the New Testament

Provide insight into beliefs and controversies

Foundation of Christian theology and ethics

St Paul's Epistles

1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (Husbands as head of Household and role of Women in Church is one of silence)

Colossians 3:18 (Wives Submission to Husband)

Ephesians 5:22-23 (Wives Submission to Husband)

1 Timothy 2:9-15 (Dress code of women)

Role of Women according to St Paul

{ A deeper look into Gender Roles

Islam

Patriarchal Conditioning

Polygyny

Men are Protectors of Women

Woman's dress code

Limited Rights of Women

The Quran(Koran)

By definition is a practice where the man is allowed to have more then one wife.

Surah An-Nisa(the Women) 4:3

Restrictions

A man can take no more then 4 wives.

If a man is unable to deal justly with his four wives he should not marry more then the number he can be just with.

Note: polyandry, women having multiple husbands, is restricted.

Polygyny

Surah An-Nisa 4:34

Allah has given power to men to encompass women, and it is men who provide for women. Next we can see the behavioral standards for women according to Islam where a good woman is obedient and therefore submissive to her husband. When speaking of women “guarding a secret” many believe that it could mean the wife’s keeping of her sexuality for her husband, while he is gone. Others interpret it as keeping mans estate and property in his absence. Lastly, when examining the last line, we are presented with a social protocol for assumed disloyalty with inclinations to the justification of spousal mistreatment.

Men As Protectors of Women

Surah Al-Ahzab 33:32-33 (Right to leave home w/ restrictions)

Surah Al-Baqara 281 ( Legal status of Woman is half of a Man)

Surah Al-Nisa 7 and 11 (Inheritance rights of women)

Limited Rights of Women

Known also as Hajib is a head covering generally worn by Muslims.

Surah An-Nur 24:31 (Modesty and Reason justifying Veil)

Surah An-Ahzab 33:59 (Cover for fear of molestation/rape)

Main Reason for use of Hajib/Veil

- Modesty as main purpose

- Modesty is protection

- Thus the hajibs purpose is to protect a woman

Dress code “the Veil”

Many people adhere to religion, it would be unfair to chastise its ethics as it may offend others. Yet to counter patriarchal conditioning one must incorporate

Awareness

Education

Application

Important to know that although religion provides a basis of behavioral standards and ethics, interpretation and application of religion is up to the adherent.

How do we prevent patriarchal conditioninginstituted by religion

{Food For Thought

What if God was Viewed as a Woman?