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Eligiosity ND Ocial Groups: Gender and Key Sociologists

This document discusses several sociological perspectives on religiosity and gender roles. It outlines theories that religiosity is higher among women because religion reinforces traditional gender roles and caretaking responsibilities. Additionally, women on average live longer and face more health issues, so may turn to religion for support and meaning. The document also notes that religiosity among women may be declining as feminist values change traditional gender expectations in society.

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Jul 480wesh
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42 views7 pages

Eligiosity ND Ocial Groups: Gender and Key Sociologists

This document discusses several sociological perspectives on religiosity and gender roles. It outlines theories that religiosity is higher among women because religion reinforces traditional gender roles and caretaking responsibilities. Additionally, women on average live longer and face more health issues, so may turn to religion for support and meaning. The document also notes that religiosity among women may be declining as feminist values change traditional gender expectations in society.

Uploaded by

Jul 480wesh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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RELIGIOSITY AND SOCIAL

GROUPS
Gender and key sociologists
SOCIALISATION AND GENDER ROLE
 Miller & Hoffman: Women are socialized to be more passive,
obedient and caring. Such values are valued by religion. Women
are more likely to work part time so have the time for religion.

 Greeley: Taking care of the family increasing women’s religiosity


as it involves responsibility for their ‘ultimate welfare’

 Woodhead & Heelas: Religion provides traditional gender roles


and stability

 Hawley: women are socialized to desire protection from men

 Brown: The NA is self-religious which appeals to women’s wish


for autonomy
LIFE EXPECTANCY
 Women generally live longer than men so are more likely to be
widowed
 Therefore, they turn to religion for support as close life evens
often link to religion e.g. Funerals

 Davie: Women’s closer proximity to birth and death brings them


closer to ‘ultimate’ questions about the meaning of life
SOCIAL DEPRIVATION & MARGINALITY: STARK,
GLOCK & BAINBRIDGE
 Religion offers compensators for social, organismic and ethical
deprivation

Social
 Women are more likely to be poor so turn to religion as compensation

Organismic
 Steams from physical and mental health problems, women are more
likely to suffer thus, seek healing through religion

Ethical
 Women tend to morally conservative. They are more likely to view the
world as being in a moral decline and be attracted to sects, which
often share this view

 Women may lack confidence so seek improvement through religion


 Weber: Participation gives women power and status, a response to
patriarchy
 Bruce: Many women are involved in establishing world-rejecting
sects
STATUS FRUSTRATION
 Women lack personal fulfilment due to being confined in home
 Those in the lower M/C are left in unfulfilling jobs
 Religion offers a chance to improve yourself and social status
 Puttick: Well educated women seek self-improvement

Evaluation
 W/C women?
 Deakin: There are other forms of compensation e.g. Facebook
RECENT CHANGES
 Bruce: Women have began to reject traditional subordinate
gender role which has lead them to reject traditional religion

 Brierley: Notes the dramatic change/decline of women attending


church

 Bird: Roman Catholic priests are expected to remain celibate


which may put people off religion

 Davie: Men view God as powerful whilst women see Him as


loving
REASONS FOR A DECLINE: AUNE
 Feminist Values: Women are no longer prepared to take
subordinate roles
 Paid employment: Women don’t have time for religion
 Family diversity: Variation in the role of expressive leader
 Sexuality: People don’t want to be subjected to homophobic
attitudes within religion

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