About the book
An introduction to the study of women in diverse religious cultures
While women have made gains in equality over the past two centuries, equality for women in many religious traditions remains contested throughout the world. In the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints women are not ordained as priests. In areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan under Taliban occupation girls and women students and their teachers risk their lives to go to school. And in Sri Lanka, fully ordained Buddhist nuns are denied the government identity cards that recognize them as citizens. Is it possible to create families, societies, and religions in which women and men are equal? And if so, what are the factors that promote equality?
Theory of Women in Religions offers an economic model to shed light on the forces that have impacted the respective statuses of women and men from the earliest developmental stages of society through the present day. Catherine Wessinger integrates data and theories from anthropology, archaeology, sociology, history, gender studies, and psychology into a concise history of religions introduction to the complex relationship between gender and religion. She argues that socio-economic factors that support specific gender roles, in conjunction with religious norms and ideals, have created a gendered division of labor that both directly and indirectly reinforces gender inequality. Yet she also highlights how as the socio-economic situation is changing religion is being utilized to support the transition toward women’s equality, noting the ways in which many religious representations of gender change over time.
Editions of Theory of Women in Religions
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781479809462
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9781479899197
- EBook
- ISBN 9781479831395
- EBook
- ISBN 9781479860814
Read an Excerpt
An introduction to the study of women in diverse religious cultures
While women have made gains in equality over the past two centuries, equality for women in many religious traditions remains contested throughout the world. In the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints women are not ordained as priests. In areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan under Taliban occupation girls and women students and their teachers risk their lives to go to school. And in Sri Lanka, fully ordained Buddhist nuns are denied the government identity cards that recognize them as citizens. Is it possible to create families, societies, and religions in which women and men are equal? And if so, what are the factors that promote equality?
Theory of Women in Religions offers an economic model to shed light on the forces that have impacted the respective statuses of women and men from the earliest developmental stages of society through the present day. Catherine Wessinger integrates data and theories from anthropology, archaeology, sociology, history, gender studies, and psychology into a concise history of religions introduction to the complex relationship between gender and religion. She argues that socio-economic factors that support specific gender roles, in conjunction with religious norms and ideals, have created a gendered division of labor that both directly and indirectly reinforces gender inequality. Yet she also highlights how as the socio-economic situation is changing religion is being utilized to support the transition toward women’s equality, noting the ways in which many religious representations of gender change over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Theory of Women in Religions about?
An introduction to the study of women in diverse religious cultures
While women have made gains in equality over the past two centuries, equality for women in many religious traditions remains contested throughout the world. In the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints women are not ordained as priests. In areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan under Taliban occupation girls and women students and their teachers risk their lives to go to school. And in Sri Lanka, fully ordained Buddhist nuns are denied the government identity cards that recognize them as citizens. Is it possible to create families, societies, and religions in which women and men are equal? And if so, what are the factors that promote equality?
Theory of Women in Religions offers an economic model to shed light on the forces that have impacted the respective statuses of women and men from the earliest developmental stages of society through the present day. Catherine Wessinger integrates data and theories from anthropology, archaeology, sociology, history, gender studies, and psychology into a concise history of religions introduction to the complex relationship between gender and religion. She argues that socio-economic factors that support specific gender roles, in conjunction with religious norms and ideals, have created a gendered division of labor that both directly and indirectly reinforces gender inequality. Yet she also highlights how as the socio-economic situation is changing religion is being utilized to support the transition toward women’s equality, noting the ways in which many religious representations of gender change over time.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Theory of Women in Religions?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Aspects of religion > Religious life and practice > Religious aspects of sexuality, gender and relationships
Where can I read a sample of Theory of Women in Religions?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781479809462
How long is Theory of Women in Religions and how many pages does it have?
Theory of Women in Religions has 232 page(s)
Is Theory of Women in Religions part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Women in Religions
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Theory of Women in Religions?
Catherine Wessinger
Who is the Publisher of the book Theory of Women in Religions?
NYU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Theory of Women in Religions is available as paperback(ISBN 9781479809462) and altformat(ISBN 9781479899197) and ebook(ISBN 9781479831395) and ebook(ISBN 9781479860814)
Where can I buy Theory of Women in Religions online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Theory of Women in Religions from below
Where can I buy Theory of Women in Religions?