Can Religion Ever Be Good For Women?

Can Religion Ever Be Good For Women? June 22, 2013
Religion and forms of spirituality have continued to encapsulate individuals and society at large. Whether you associate with the dominant religions of the world — Christianity, Islam, or Judaism, or find meaning in Paganism, Hinduism, or Buddhism, religion influences our cultural and social identities.
Religion became historically significant through its disputes over land ownership and cultural differences. Patriarchy and religion have heavily relied upon each other in maintaining the religious system; men have primarily instigated religious battles and crusades. Although religion has evolved into a spiritual space to enhance peoples’ lives, it continues to manufacture ideologies around individuation, social reproduction, and cultural disparity.
Gender relations are highly contested within the religious space. While some faith-based systems allow female leadership, men still significantly outnumber women in terms of religious leadership. However, women tend to be more religious than men. Based on a survey by Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life, women were found to be more spiritual and religiously inclined than men. What does imply in term of power and gender dynamics in society?
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