Proposal-Women and Religion

     Although most societies in the world are patriarchal, it varies vastly across the board depending on the traditions of certain cultures. Traditions often stem from the religion that is taught. Many religions and traditions, because of its emphasis on male domination, form the basis for injustice toward women, ranging from subtle inequalities to outright blatant disrespect. Our topic focuses on women in different religions across the world and the varying forms of feminism that counteract discrimination against women. We will first look at the expected roles and negative stigmas toward women based on both western and eastern religious teachings. We will then see how they compare/contrast with one another. This examination includes the exploration of cultures in the west that practice Christianity (and its many sects and denominations), Judaism and Islam and cultures in the east that practice hinduism and Buddhism. We will take a look at the stigmas surrounding women of each faith, women's roles and how they are treated  in society based on faith and traditions, and the uniques forms of feminism with which women have responded.