The role of women in eastern religions is a strange one. There is a big difference between eastern religions in contrast to western religions in their idealistic attitude toward women as compared to the “everyday” role of women. Initially Buddha banned women from monastic practices but later Buddhists allowed them to practice in separate quarters. It is important to note that the scriptures of Buddhism do not talk much about the status of women in society. Although, in certain places it does refer to the equality of men and women but, on the other hand, there are certain stereotypes that exists in their principles as well (Ray & Macko, 1991).
Initial interpretation of Buddhist scripture had lead to an inferior image of women in society. Women were considered inferior both physically and mentally and this eventually impacted their social lives. Women were treated as subordinates and were not able to lead their lives independently. They had to follow the commands given by men and obey their orders. Women were confined to their homes and were responsible for looking after their home and family. Additionally, if any woman failed to reproduce or was unable to give birth to a son they were turned out from their home. Moreover, women were not allowed to worship and it was believed that they could only go to heaven if they obeyed their husbands. It is evident that there was great social discrimination for the role of women among Buddhists (Dhammananda, 2002).
However, in later years the teaching of Buddha changed the social status of women. Unmarried women were initially allowed to serve as Buddhist nuns. Later women were permitted to participate freely in all religious activities. In this way the status of women has been enhanced and women have considered themselves as an important part of society. Women were given freedom to lead their lives in their own way (Dhammananda, 2002). With the changes that have taken place over past years women have been allowed to participate in educational and professional careers. The attitude towards women has changed and is now fairer and gives equal status to that of men. Still, in certain places where people value and follow their traditional practices, women experience some unpleasant discrimination and are not treated fairly. They do not spend their lives with liberty and freedom.
History reveals that Christianity has emerged from a patriarchal society where men have more power than women. However, as time passed, women participated as religious sister (nuns) and their status and role in society was uplifted. The role of women in Christianity then became active and liberal. Women were then able to recognize their own role and status in Christian society. Jesus also taught that women need to be engaged with respect by society. He never considered women as inferior or as a property of men. Jesus played an active role in breaking the anti-female culture that previously prevailed in society. Based on these principles, husbands were instructed to respect their wives. Women were also granted equal control over property. Moreover, women were given the right to work as a guardian for their children (Bohlin, 2005). The Bible has viewed both the husband and wife as equal partners. Considering this, women have been able to initiate marrying the men of their own choosing. Additionally, the old tradition of keeping two or three wives has faded over time and now the principle of a monogamous marriage is followed (Bohlin, 2005). Considering the teachings of Christianity, now more rights and privileges have been given to women. Compared to women in other religions, Christianity has given more liberty and freedom to the women. Thus, women in Christianity lead a liberal life and are able to practice their freedom.
In the Hindu religion women have fought for years to gain status in society. Previously, women were considered as homemakers and were responsible for looking after their homes and families. They were held responsible for serving their husband, taking care of their family and doing all household chores. However, scriptures from the Hindu religion have portrayed both benevolent and malevolent roles of women in society that lead to a controversial status (Wadley, 1977). Moreover, if we review Hindu scriptures, it instructs men to give honor to their wives (Pinkham, 1967).
Women in Hinduism are viewed as soil where men plant their seeds and allow them to grow (Wadley, 1977). Before marriage, women are controlled by their fathers and later they are controlled by their husbands. During married life, women need to be devoted to their husbands and family (Mukherjee, 1994). Along with household chores women are also responsible for fulfilling all their religious responsibilities. Over time the role of women in Hindu society has changed. A number of changes have been brought about by the ongoing reconstruction of culture and practices. Changes have also been noticed in the education sector, health sector, status of widows, issues concerning early marriages, women’s rights, and representation of women in politics and other governing bodies (Mukherjee, 1994).
This revolutionary change in the status of women has had an impact on infant mortality rates and has resulted in better health outcomes. However, there is still a prevailing belief in certain castes that this change is becoming disrespectful towards the Hindu religion, traditions, and principles. Therefore, certain castes still follow traditional roles followed by their ancestors (Mukherjee, 1994). Considering the changes that have taken place, women in Hindu society are now able to lead their lives independently. Women are now allowed to get into professional education along with religious education. But in view of the traditional role that has influenced certain people in Hinduism, some women still have not been accorded status and liberty (Mukherjee, 1994).
The social life of Muslim women varies greatly depending on the region they live in and familial traditions that exists. One of the traditions impacting women’s lives is the practice of polygamous marriage. Marriage is viewed as a sacred relation where individuals give due respect to each other and contribute towards a healthy life. The sacred scripture of Islam allows up to four marriages for men only if he can act justly with all his wives and he is able to fulfill their rights and needs. In certain countries polygamy is strictly prohibited, whereas in other countries women can do nothing if her husband brings in a second wife. In practice, people do not consider the rights of wives and just follow the principle that they can marry up to four times. This practice eventually impacts on the psychology and life of women (Schirrmacher and Spuler-Stegemann, n.d.).Women get deprived of their social status along with the rights that individuals possess.
Islam preaches that both men and women are equal in terms of their spirituality (Khan, 1988). However, there are certain principles that give an inferior status to women as compared to men. As per the law of evidence two women witnesses are equal to one male witness in regard to financial contracts. Considering this principle, regardless of the issue, in the majority of the legal concerns, two women witnesses are considered as one (Engineer, 2008). Another law regarding inheritance impacts the social life of women. Islam instructs that women are to be given a share of the inheritance. In comparison to the traditional practice of receiving no shares of the property, at least some portion has been allocated as per principles. However, the share that a woman receives as a daughter, mother, or wife is half that of the male recipient (Engineer, 2008). This unequal share gives an inferior image to women when compared to men.
Marital rights are important with regard to the social status of women in society. In certain religions and cultures women are viewed as being inferior to men and are not allowed to choose their life partner. However, Islamic scripture believes that both men and women are equal in terms of their mental capacity. Moreover, both genders are viewed as equals in terms of receiving reward and punishment. Likewise, Islam believes that marriage is a mutual contract between two partners and both have equal rights in choosing their life partner. No superiority has been given in this regard to men over women (Engineer, 2008). However, in actual practice women are not able to practice the right of choosing their life partner due to their traditional practices. Besides this, in accordance with Islamic scripture, both men and women have the right to get a divorce. However, traditionally no rights are given to women for divorce. Only men possess the power to get a divorce. As per principle when a person divorces his partner compensation must be made so that the former partner may maintain their standard of living (Engineer, 2005).Thus, the status of women in Islamic society varies a great deal depending on the practices that an individual follows. It is evident that certain practices differ compared to the sacred scriptures. This shows there is a cultural influence on the religion. In this way it impacts a woman’s social life as they are not able to practice their rights.
The scripture of Judaism considers both men and women equal in terms of their capabilities, needs, potentials, capacity to interpret, and control over decision making. Additionally, it provides for the freedom of women in leading their own lives. It also stipulates that women have the right to lead their lives by making their own choices to control their own way of living (Greenburg, 1998). Contrary to this, the actual practices of Judaism discriminate women from men (Raphael, 1984). Men and women pray separately in Judaism. Also, men from certain castes of Judaism thank God because God has not made them women. Even the way women dress is dictated by requiring women to wear skirts and not trousers. Some women are also strictly instructed to cover their heads as well (Seigelshifer and Hartman, 2011). Moreover, women in Judaism were not allowed to serve as witness in any legal case as per their traditional practices (Grossman, 2004). All of these traditional practices have an adverse impact on the everyday life of women.
As time passed changes took place in the practices of the people in the Jewish community. They allowed their women to get an education. They also now encourage their women to pursue a professional education as well as choose their preferred career path. They are also allowed to be witness in certain countries that have reformed their laws. In comparison to Orthodox Judaism, both Reform Judaism and Reconstructionist Judaism consider men and women as equals. These have also allowed women to participate in a number of rituals that were previously done only by Jewish men. They have given a voice to the women in Judaism. Even the issues concerning domestic violence have been addressed to help women (Raphael, 1984). In this way, the changes in certain Judaism sects have contributed positively towards the social lives of women.
An analysis of women’s status in different religions has revealed a controversial role in society. In certain religions the practices of the people differ greatly from the preaching and sacred scriptures. Moreover, certain religions do not consider the analysis of sacred text and instead treat women inferiorly and are unjust towards them. This is caused by their traditional values, beliefs, and practices. The aforementioned discussion concerning different religions shows how women’s lives are influenced by their religion. However, it is also evident that certain practices are not actually linked with religion but have resulted because of a cultural mix. It has also been observed that there is male domination in the majority of religious rituals. In fact, a majority of these religions are lead by male religious leaders. This controversial impact of religion adversely affects different aspects of women’s social lives. However, the people who follow the principles and scriptures allow women to lead their lives in their own way. They give equal rights to both genders, whereas people who follow traditional practices consider women as inferiors and subordinate to men.
Religion impacts every aspect of women’s lives including their function in society as well as religion. Religion has an influence on women’s liberties for pursuing an education, marriage, divorce, inheritance, witnessing, dressing, and all other daily chores. The inferior status of women in society destroys women’s lives as they have no control over their needs, expectations, and wishes. They live under the power of male members of the family. They are merely confined to their homes and held responsible for looking after their family and children. They do not have any say in the decision making. Moreover, the women who are not able to reproduce or do not give birth to sons are even excluded from the family. The concept of polygamous marriage also deprives women from receiving their basic needs and rights. Thus, the women’s lives are influenced by the religious practices that exist instead of the principles and scripture that religion is based on. However, with the passage of time a number of religions have considered women as equals to men but there are still certain traditional practices that leave women deprived of basic rights.
It is evident that there is a dual potential as differences exist in the principles and practices of the people following various religions. These differences eventually have an impact on the lives of women regardless of their religious guidance. Thus, efforts are required at a grand level to discriminate between traditional and actual women’s statuses in society. Eck and Devaki (1986) are accurate to certain extent that “Religion is both a problem…where its structures of dominance have oppressed women, as well as the solution where its vision of liberation has generated powerful movements for social change.” Religion is the main contributor in most parts of the world for dominance and oppression against women but this had paved way for much development in certain religions, yet awareness needs to be further provided, in order to ascertain that women can practice their rights in every religion and culture.
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