Women's role in Hinduism and Judaism - Research Paper Example

Women’s Role in Hinduism and Judaism Introduction Religion has been an integral part of human history from the beginning and this explains the relevance that the studies of the gender role in religion present. Through religion, the mirror of the ancient and the contemporary society is created and this has been instrumental in developing a position on the position that the different genders played. Different religions had different positions, niche and role for different genders but the role of women has been of great concern to anthropologist and historians. Through a review and critical evaluation of the role of women in the traditional setup and religion, the advancement that has so far been witnessed is laid bare and understanding enhanced. Hinduism is considered as one of the most widespread religions in the world after Christianity and Islam and this explains its relevance in anthropological studies (Tuyizere 66). The role of women in this religion has been given diverse reviews and explanation but the dominating fact is the prominence that the religion granted to the women. However, the position of women and men in the Hindu tradition was quite different with women allowed to play a subordinate position as compared to the men. The history of Judaism and the different positions that the genders were allowed to play has been reflected in the holy bible, which has provided an overview of the Hebrew culture and tradition. An evaluation of the bible reveals a disproportional reference to women as compared to men, a factor that anthropologist and gender scholars have used to support the notion that women were subordinate in the Judaism culture as well (Idinopulos, Thomas and James 212). Women in Hindu religion According to the laws of Manu within the Hindu doctrines, women were considered as an essential dharma of men and most women were fulfilled and played the role well. Hindu culture and belief have always had an important position for women and this can be traced to historical roles that Hindu women have always played either in religious or social activity. Ancient Hindu held women with high esteem, and they had major roles to play, some of which were more superior to roles played by men, as Hinduism believes that male power or ‘shikati’ comes from women. It was a common occurrence in ancient Hindu for an entire town to be destroyed in case the leadership of that state wronged a woman. In Vedic times, women and men have been considered equal and provided with similar educational and religious opportunities. Women were allowed to participate in public sacrifices alongside men, were also given the sacred threat, and could study the Vedas. Women were also allowed to teach the sacred lore to the children and young youths during the Vedic times. As a result, it was common to find women serving as ‘Arcarya’ (lady teacher), ‘Acaryani’ (a teacher’s wife) and Upadhyaya (a woman receptor). The position of women in the ancient Hindu was significant and enviable but this was later changed by historical developments that occurred and significantly affected how women were regarded in the Hindu culture. The foreigners had little respect for the chastity, value and life of women and this created a different role and a way of life for the Hindu women. However, significant efforts have been made to restore the position of the woman in the Hindu culture and religion. The Indian constitution protects and secures the economic independence of women and agitates for respect and equal treatment for women. The post independent period has witnessed a tremendous growth and progress in women roles in both women roles both in religion and in the traditional society roles. Gods, deities and women in Hinduism As highlighted in the earlier sections, the role of women in the Hindu religion varied from the equal stature position to one that had significant restriction. However, the role and position of women within the Hindu religion was and is still influenced by the deities and gods that play a significant role in the religion. However, the role-played by women in the gender gods and deities differ depending on the sect and Hindu school that an individual belongs. The female aspect in the deities and gods has also been affected by the feminism as the masculine Brahminic pushed aside the feminine divine aspect (Idinopulos, Thomas and James 212). Despite the previous laws that showed a given level of stature discrimination against women, these historians believe was corrected by the act of assigning them higher status female goddesses. Despite the Vedas asserting the male as the head of the family, the position of the women later grew, as the female goddesses were able to assert their power. This created room for the emergence of a superiority tag of war between the deities as the male deities were not willing to let their position of influence to be placed under the control of women (Hay 86). Despite the Vedas regarding women with no veneration and giving them a minor role and significant in the society, the current developments and contemporary changes have not affected or improved the role of women. According to Basharat (245), women in the contemporary Hindu culture continue to struggle and assert their positions in the society. This struggle has been reflected in their desires to achieve similar social and civil rights despite the discriminative environment in the religion. Due to the curbing of most of their rights by the Hindu tradition, contemporary Hindu women have grown bile filled and are willing to rebel against the same tradition they prescribe to (Stephen 87). Basharat however agrees that despite the odds presented to them by the anti-feminist religion that considered them as the properties of men, women in Hindu religion have made massive sacrifices and struggles to achieve equality. The previous convention of the sati, paradah, and the pangs of illiteracy and the consideration of women as male property has however changed and this has been attributed to the progress made by the fight for civil liberties and liberation. Women in today’s Hindu culture have renounced the place that the Hindu religion has assigned them and have therefore pursued other areas to advance socially, economically and politically. Due to these struggles and the realization that it has brought to the contemporary Hindu community, people have come to realize the important place of women in the society and this has led to the ouster of the conventionalism view of women in the hearts of the Hindu people, especially the men (Stephen 87). Women in Judaism Within the Jewish culture, the mothers passed the familial lines and this led to the use of the mothers to refer to the different Jewish people and priests. A description of the role of the Jewish women in Judaism can be approached through looking at the different stages of Judaism as each had a special position for women (Hay 86). During the biblical time in the Judaism religion, few women were mentioned using their names or even the role they played in the public. Those who were mentioned included matriarchs such as Sarah, Rebecca and Rachel and the mothers of prominent personality in the Hebrew community like Leah and Abigail. As opposed to the Hindu religion where prominent met public opposition for asserting their roles, this was not present in Judah and the public women meet little opposition especially as a result of the gender (Idinopulos, Thomas and James 212). The pilgrimage process in Judaism was an essential phase comparable to a number of sacrifices within the Hindu religion, which were conducted in the temples. As compared to the Hindu sacrifices and holy sessions in which women were not allowed to attend, all irrespective of gender attended the pilgrimage in temple of Jerusalem every year. During the Talmudic times, the role of women was mixed as both derogatory and lauding words were used to describe the role of women. For example, the glory of God and his righteousness was considered as preserve of women than men because of their righteousness and humility (Stephen 87). The educational opportunities to Jewish women were however limited as compared to men who were taught to read, write and learn how to manage their families. However, women were provided with religious laws, a part which was deemed essential for their daily lives in the synagogues and beyond. However, the context of the Mishnah and the Talmud viewed women as being inadequate and could therefore not be allowed to study the Mishnah (Limor 63). The similarity of the genders that was developed during the biblical phase of Judaism grew because of the notion that God is neither male nor female. This differed significantly from the Christian notion that viewed God as exclusively masculine, offering an opportunity for women to be view as being inferior. The traditional Judaism viewed women as possessing a greater degree of understanding and intuition as compared to the men (Hay 86). Using Virgin Mary as a vessel to bring Christ into the Christian world, the Jews in Judaism developed a perception towards her role in developing a place for the women. Just like the deities and the goddesses in the Hindu religion, Virgin Mary demonstrated the strength of women and their relevance in Judaism and the religion as a whole. The Judaism religion had three groups that had different teachings and ideologies. These included the Pharisees, the rabbis and the Essenes (Idinopulos, Thomas and James 212). By identifying a virgin lady to be the mother of God, the religion of Judah strengthened its belief and position of women. There was a stronger need within the Judaism religion for women and ladies who were not betrothed to remain clean and avoid sexual sin. Just like in the Hindu culture, the role of women in Judaism has witnessed significant changes and this has led to the empowerment of women and the creation of new roles for them. Despite the past Judah religion pushing women to peripheral and minor roles in the society, the Jewish society has witnessed significant changes and this has led to the emergence of new roles for the women. In the traditional Jewish setup, the role of women was reduced to a mere domestic and secondary role as compared to men. However, the Judaism religion has witnessed significant shifts towards the west and this has led to the acceptance of the feminist ideology thus creating new roles for women in the society (Hay 86). In the traditional Judaism, women were homeschooled and taught how to handle domestic roles and responsibilities which tied them to domestic tasks. The education for the women was based on the Halacha and Minhagim doctrines that were meant to enable them learn how to run their homes. However, secularization and the emergence of the western influence has led to the changes in the education system in Judaism and this has led to the emergence of girl child education and the development of the Torah educational curriculum for girls (Idinopulos, Thomas and James 212). Apart from the changes in educational opportunities for the Jewish women, changes have also been witnessed in the careers for women. While the traditional Judaism educated women to become capable wives and home managers, the emergence of western education has led to the growth of new careers for women in the religion. Women are today taking up challenging responsibilities and working in traditionally men dominated fields as a result of the influence created by the western influence. The role of women in the religious activities in the country has also changed due to the changing influence and the dynamism that has affected other religions like Hinduism. Like the Hindu culture, women were not allowed to be religious leaders and this relegated them to mere worshipers who had their specific place of warship in the churches. However, the changes that have been witnessed have also affected the role of women and this explains the rabbinic ordination of women into the religion (Limor 63). In the recent past, two women were ordained to become orthodox rabbis in Israel and this demonstrated the impacts of the change movements in the Judaism religion and beyond. Within the rabbinic courts, women have been provided with advocate roles and this has improved their influence and position in the religion (Hay 86). Conclusion Religion has been accused of been static and incognizant to the changes that have occurred in the world that has led to gender equality and the harmonization of roles for the genders. Hinduism and Judaism as some of the religions in the world that had strict and clearly defined roles for women and this led to discrimination of women as they were delegated minor and domestic roles. However, the roles of women today have changed and this has led to the emergence of new roles for the women including playing essential religious roles in shrines and temples. Works cited Hay, Jeff. Hinduism. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven, 2006. Print. Idinopulos, Thomas, Brian C. Wilson, and James Constantine Hanges. Comparing Religions: Possibilities and Perils? Leiden: Brill, 2006. Print. Limor, Ora. Mary and the Jews: Story, controversy and testimony. The historian, 6(2006), 55-71. Stephen, Shoemaker. Ancient Traditions of the Virgin Mary’s Dormition and Assumption, Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2002. pp. 81–98. Print. Tuyizere, Peace. Gender and development: The role of religion and culture. Kampala: Fountain Pub Limited. 2007. Print. Read More