ABSTRACT
In this chapter we reviewed the major Eastern and Western cultures to determine sources of gender stereotypes still manifest. We traveled back in history to the beginnings of these stereotypes in mythology and religion. The early development of specific religions was recounted and validated how attitudes toward women and their treatment evolved along with the evolution of the religions. It did not matter the religion one followed or the society one lived in; all had negative attitudes about women and placed restrictions on them. We discussed the impact of these attitudes and restrictions on women and how they functioned. We found that even way back in history, women and some men did make attempts to change some of the worst conditions for women. But, at least until recently, few changes succeeded. When changes were made they were often reversed with shifts in political power, and in some societies, restrictions were intensified for ideological, political, or economic reasons.
Because these stereotypes are so enshrined in each of our cultures and religious practices, we are not totally aware of the breadth and depth of our compliance and continued acceptance of them in our ongoing daily life. Until recently, many of us have not even questioned their validity. The emergence of feminist theology will have a profound effect on some basic tenets of traditional religions, which may bring about changes in religious laws that had been considered immutable.
72There are now many critiques and questions that dispute the traditional patriarchal concepts, texts, and practices. The continuing development and spread of women’s rights movements throughout most of the world appear to be forcing some initial changes in the way religions treat women and the way women experience their religion. These changes may be the only hope for many religions to continue to grow and function in the twenty-first century.
Even small changes will have a substantial impact on society in general but especially for women. Societal change has often come about through manipulation and transformation of the religious institutions and beliefs that have always served to maintain the status quo. We have seen that in the many periods throughout civilization, the fortunes of women changed along with religious transformations as well as through political changes and developments in science and technology. These transformations will profoundly affect both Western and Eastern cultures and those in the developing world in ways that we cannot possibly anticipate.
