1. The Inequalities of Women in Religion By: Robin Clarey Soc. 235 Erica Dixion 8/17/10

2. Why Interested: Women in many main churches, such as Catholic, Baptist, Latter Day Saints, just to name a few, have very little equality. I wanted to know how women could participate in such a church and still be true to themselves. I also wanted to know if there was a difference if women thought themselves to be feminist or not, and how that correlated to them participating in their religion.

3. Michael Kimmel express some thought on why women are beneath men in religion. He says the core source of men and women being different is in the “ conflicting interpretations” from the new and old testament. The example he used is “Let the wives be subject to their husbands as to their husbands as to the lord; because a husband is head of the church… But just as the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands.”( Ephesians 5:22-24) Background:

4. Kimmel however also states that there is other verses that show women to be as equals to men. He found that regardless of the debate of equality or inequality in the new and old testament, women are undeniable faithful and devoted to their religious beliefs. He even notes that women’s percentage of attending and being active in church through out the world is quite higher then men. Another study done by Elaine Howard Ecklund also found that women, were devoted to their churches regardless if their definition of feminist matched what their relgious beliefs were. Background:

5. She found that there was three categories to put women in. First is the women who were not feminist. These women had no qualms with a traditional church. In fact they felt fulfilled. Second is the group of women who were passionate feminist. These women often found Religions that were pro-right women, and gave women full equality within the church. However, she also found women that belonged to a more traditional church, often were the ones trying to change the traditions. Third is the group of women who “redefined” feminism to match their religious practices. These women’s definitions worked hand in hand with their spirituality. They felt true to themselves and with in and out of their church. Background:

6. Women will whole heartedly agree with their religious beliefs, regardless if the religious practices sustain gender equality or not. Hypothesis:

7. What is your age? What is your personal definition of what feminism means? Do you see yourself as a feminist according to your definition? Do you have a church or religion you solely belong to? Do you attend your church every week, sometimes, Or not at all? What are the beliefs of women’s roles in your religion Do you feel women have equality to men in your church, if so explain the equality? If not please explain the inequalities and how you feel you adapt to them to feel fulfilled? Questions Asked:

8. I had made a questionnaire of seven questions. I sent 30 questionnaires out by email to various women. I only received 15 back. Only 12 were useable I did six questionnaires to various women over the phone. Only four were usable I did another three questionnaires in person. All were usable. The women ranged form 19-82 yeas old. There was a variety of religious beliefs among the women, along with some who had none. Method:

9. After I read all the questionnaires, I grouped the women up into groups that were clearly divided by age. The age groups are as follows, 19-25 years, 26-35 years, 36-82 years Then I regrouped these women again by who was in agreement with their own definition of feminsim or not. Method:

10. In the age group of the 19-25 year olds. Their definition of feminism was that women will stand up for their rights and try to be superior then the male gender. Of the three women in this group all attended a church and practice their religion regularly. They all have said their churches give women equality. Results: Ages 19-25

11. The age group 26-35 the definition changes. Hers is a collaboration of all the women's thoughts. Feminism is a women who is strong, confident, who can make decisions, be her own person, and have equality to men in every way. 5 of the 8 women belonged to a church. Of alll five, these women felt they were treate with the up most respect and equalty. The other women felt that the majority of relgions were demeaning to women, so they do not attend or practice any relgion. Results: Ages 26-35

12. The age group 36-85, astonishingly their definitions all match with one another. Feminism is to be true to yourself and have the opportunity to work with in or out of the home without being demeaned. 7 of these women were pleased with their churches and the equality for women. Results: Ages36-82

13. Regardless of age, women who said they were not feminist, thought their churches were correct in its teachings. They had no concern for inequality Women who were passionately feminists, sought out churches that matched their personalities. They attend churches that gave the women the right to be preachers and preach at the pulpit. There is another group of feminists, who attend their churches regular, but they feel their churches give equality, just in different ways. Though they can not hold any high positions in their churches, they strongly believe women have equality. Results: Definition

14. Their definitions are best described by their quotes. “One gender could not opperate without the other” Eighty-two year old women “ The men perside, but the women refine” 52 year old women “We are equal, just different” Women of 25 Results: Definition

15. The amazing part of this study is the fact that women in light of all the difference in religion they have, they can still find a place that feels comfortable to them. It is astonishing to me that women who say they are feminist, can find a happy middle so they can have fulfillment in their lives. They are the example to all genders, that yes men and women can have the same opportunities, but it doesn’t mean that ever gender can do the same thing. So when the 25 year old says “ the same, but different”, I understand what she is saying. I whole heartedly admit that I am a feminist, But there are some things that I just can not do. It’s ok to say I can not do something and ask my husband, who is stronger than I, for help. This Is just another example showing men and women need to work together and rid are selves of the stigma of gender differences. Conclusion: