Critically examine the relationship between gender, religious participation and religious organisations

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Critically examine the relationship between gender, religious participation and religious organisations (40 marks)

Gender, religious participation and religious organisations are all linked together, involving religion. Gender is a major part of religion, and it is believed that women are more religious than men. Religious participation is also a big part of religion along with religious organisations. A number of studies have proven different views on the relationship between gender, religious participation and religious organisations. There are a number of religious organisations including; churches, sects, denominations and cults.

A number of studies have some that women are more religious then men. Whatever women’s influence and status may have been in religious organizations, studies have consistently shown that women are more religious than men. Miller and Hoffmann (1995) report that women are more likely to express a greater interest in religion, have a stronger personal religious commitment and attend church more often. These patterns appear to hold true throughout life, irrespective of the type of religious organisation or religious belief. Miller and Hoffmann believe that females have a lower rate of participation in paid work and this, it is argued, gives women more time for church related activities, and more need for a source of personal identity and commitment. They also have higher rates of participation in child-rearing which also increases religiosity because it coincides with a concern for family well-being.

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Greeley (1992) offers another explanation for the more religious orientation of women. He argues that before women acquire a partner and have children, their religiosity is not dissimilar to men’s. But he says, one women start ‘taking care’ of people, you begin to assume greater responsibility for their ultimate welfare. Greeley contends that women are more involved in caring than in practical responsibilities. Caring tends to be associated with a more religious outlook.  

Also, it is said that women are more likely to experience poverty than men, and those who experience economic are more likely to ...

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