Have you ever discussed gender equality within a group of people? Have you ever discussed gender equality with people that take a religious or political stance towards equality?
The following UNRISD policy briefing paper 'Gender Politics and Gender Equality' gives a very good discussion regarding this very issue. At a time when many people thought that religion would lessen its hold on gender inequalities, we are seeing an upsurge in fundamentalist beliefs; and an upsurge in movements that are usrping equality to thier own ends. A really good paper to read.
Go here to have a look ( You may need to register to get a copy)
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Public Role of Religion and its Social and Gender Implications
I found this article facinating because I have such an interest re the roles of gender abd the sexual health of young people. Below is an abstract of this article. If you want to see more go to the United nations Research Institute for Social Development
Public Role of Religion and its Social and Gender Implications
Authors: Anne Phillips, José Casanova
In feminist, as in mainstream, thinking, there has been a reassessment of the relationship between religion and politics. For much of the twentieth century, it was assumed that religion was at odds with gender equality, and campaigners for women’s rights looked to the spread of secular principles and attitudes as an important engine of change. But the notion that secularism, understood as the complete separation of politics from religion, is the precondition for progressive politics has been challenged by critics of the secularization thesis, including José Casanova. Specifically within feminism, it has been challenged by the importance attached to women’s agency, and the need to respect the choices of religious as well as non-religious women.
Yet religions can and do threaten gender equality, and particularly so when their authority over their members is enhanced by a formal or informal role in the political system. The essay argues that Casanova does not engage sufficiently with the severity of this issue, and that his resolution is too complacent both in its celebration of the democratic engagements of civil society, and its reliance on movements for internal reform. Civil society is not a neutral zone, and the associations that constitute civil society can reproduce social hierarchies and exclusions as often as they contest them. Internal reform, moreover, will be hardest to mobilize precisely where it is most needed. This paper addresses the relationship between religion, politics and gender equality through four aspects: (i) what authority, if any, states can cede to religious communities or groups without beginning to threaten gender equality; (ii) the informal impact of religions on attitudes and lives, beyond any institutionalized power; (iii) the possibilities and limits of internal reform; and (iv) the possibilities and difficulties of alliances between religious and secular groups. The central theme running through the essay is that religions most threaten gender equality when they are conceived of—and conceive themselves as—corporate bodies, capable of speaking with a unified voice. The key protection for women is a strong politics of individual rights. In arguing this, however, this paper stresses the difficulties surrounding the politics of rights. It is crucial both to recognize the centrality of individual rights and acknowledge the problems in their interpretation and implementation. This is not something that can be resolved at a purely theoretical level. It alerts us, rather, to the political issues.
Public Role of Religion and its Social and Gender Implications
Authors: Anne Phillips, José Casanova
In feminist, as in mainstream, thinking, there has been a reassessment of the relationship between religion and politics. For much of the twentieth century, it was assumed that religion was at odds with gender equality, and campaigners for women’s rights looked to the spread of secular principles and attitudes as an important engine of change. But the notion that secularism, understood as the complete separation of politics from religion, is the precondition for progressive politics has been challenged by critics of the secularization thesis, including José Casanova. Specifically within feminism, it has been challenged by the importance attached to women’s agency, and the need to respect the choices of religious as well as non-religious women.
Yet religions can and do threaten gender equality, and particularly so when their authority over their members is enhanced by a formal or informal role in the political system. The essay argues that Casanova does not engage sufficiently with the severity of this issue, and that his resolution is too complacent both in its celebration of the democratic engagements of civil society, and its reliance on movements for internal reform. Civil society is not a neutral zone, and the associations that constitute civil society can reproduce social hierarchies and exclusions as often as they contest them. Internal reform, moreover, will be hardest to mobilize precisely where it is most needed. This paper addresses the relationship between religion, politics and gender equality through four aspects: (i) what authority, if any, states can cede to religious communities or groups without beginning to threaten gender equality; (ii) the informal impact of religions on attitudes and lives, beyond any institutionalized power; (iii) the possibilities and limits of internal reform; and (iv) the possibilities and difficulties of alliances between religious and secular groups. The central theme running through the essay is that religions most threaten gender equality when they are conceived of—and conceive themselves as—corporate bodies, capable of speaking with a unified voice. The key protection for women is a strong politics of individual rights. In arguing this, however, this paper stresses the difficulties surrounding the politics of rights. It is crucial both to recognize the centrality of individual rights and acknowledge the problems in their interpretation and implementation. This is not something that can be resolved at a purely theoretical level. It alerts us, rather, to the political issues.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Restoring the hyman to appear a virgin
The following is an extract from an article in medical news today' http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/111107.php
'An increasing number of Muslim women living in Europe are seeking hymenoplasties to restore the hymen, the vaginal membrane that often breaks during the first act of intercourse, in an effort to prove virginity prior to marriage, the New York Times reports. According to the Times, Muslim women who are not virgins often are unable to marry and can face abuse from male relatives. In addition, young Muslim women often are "caught between the freedoms European society affords and the deep-rooted traditions of the parents' and grandparents' generations," the Times reports.'
'An increasing number of Muslim women living in Europe are seeking hymenoplasties to restore the hymen, the vaginal membrane that often breaks during the first act of intercourse, in an effort to prove virginity prior to marriage, the New York Times reports. According to the Times, Muslim women who are not virgins often are unable to marry and can face abuse from male relatives. In addition, young Muslim women often are "caught between the freedoms European society affords and the deep-rooted traditions of the parents' and grandparents' generations," the Times reports.'
I don't know about you but it seems that there are just sooo many barriers to sexual health and freedom that it sometimes gets me down. Why so much emphasis on virginity? why so much emphasis on intercourse? why so much abuse of women by men? ....and before you say " yeah but that article is about Muslim women!" what about this dumb page from catholic exchange saying that 'the pill' kills babies.....
http://www.catholicexchange.com/2008/05/08/112400/
HOW STUPID IS THIS PICTURE: How about a catch line like " Fathers
teach your children to love and be loved: To grow up happy and healthy as citizens of a better world??
Lets stop this crap and put our efforts where they belong - -ensuring that all people have health and happiness!!!!!
Lets stop this crap and put our efforts where they belong - -ensuring that all people have health and happiness!!!!!
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