Feminist approaches to Sexuality L.O To investigate the arguments feminists make against religion

Christianity What was seen as a traditional woman's role?

Criticism they have of religions Women’s role are 1. Child-bearer 2. Wife 3. Submissive companion Christian & Hebrew view 1. Women created for the man 2. Property of the man 3. Secondary to the man Restricting women's status in society Many religions rely on natural law and human nature – but this seems to be more of a product of social conditioning. To give women secondary role in society. Woman were stoned to death for being adulterous before Jesus stopped it

The Hebrew and Greek Views O Due to their views, it has meant that women have had little access to politics, wealth and very little free choice. O This has affected many things 1. Sex- male dominance 2. Most sexual crimes committed against women 3. Marriage laws- only recently made equal Ultra Orthodox Jews-only husband issue divorce –’Get’ Chained woman

Churches… O Liberal criticised- by Feminists 1. They assume level playing field 2. Men and women both can enter freely into a sexual relationship O This is in a society that is patriarchal  ‘Women may be so conditioned that they are not even aware of their disempowered status’.

Feminists views O Catharine MacKinnon  Sexuality must be changed- until this happens sex is immoral O Jill Johnston  Must separate men & women  Same sex for women as political statement to undermine the domination and power of men O Mary Daly  Women cannot call God farther  Implies Gods male, then men must be God  Women not fully in image of God, due to ancient influences  Religions are sexist

Feminists views O Daphne Hampson  Since enlightenment there has been ill fit and Christianity and modern thought  Equality doesn’t fit into many religious traditions  Must discard these traditions In response to these… O Raymond Bellioti  Women are not socially defined  They can decide for themselves  If they feel they cant then surely patriarchy is needed  No problem with a woman accepting a socially defined role if she chooses it

Polygamy O It is more common then polyandry O List the reasons why and then evaluate are the sexist? O Think back to Islam, that is it fine to be involved with Polygamy but not Polyandry – why? Sexist?

Sikhism – Equality? O Does this really exist both religiously and culturally? (Guru Amar Das) O For Against O Conclusion - Sexist?

Issues arising O Religion is too old fashioned O So religion is wrong and view of the world and has nothing to offer people in the modern world. O Other view is that there view have been lost to today's society. O Religious perspectives just seem irrelevant because their ideas don’t match what the modern world take for granted. O Religion is too concerned with sexual acts O Modern society is setting its own codes of behaviour

Criticisms

Debate Question O Get into two groups – mix yourself up O Within those two groups, make another 2 groups. Decide which ever way you wish for is making arguments for and who is against ‘ Religion is out of date and should not get involved in sexual and non sexual relationship issues’ Make notes to refer back to and revise from.