Women within Religions: Patriarchy Feminism and the Role of Women in Selected World Religions

Women are the majority in almost every cultural or social group. However their roles vary in various cultures religions and traditions. In some cultures and religions they are highly honored while in others they are neglected oppressed and segregated. This book examines womens role in a few selected world religions namely Christianity Islam African Traditional Religion Hinduism and Buddhism. It also surveys the concept of patriarchy and the various theoretical perspectives surrounding it. Eventually this book discusses the concept of ecofeminism and how feminists perceive of the relationship between nature and the oppression of women. The book grapples with the question In what way do world religions perceive of women and their role in their teachings and traditions? This book is important for students and teachers of gender studies African theology and Christian theology as a whole.