Presentation Title
Feminism and religion: Difficult dialogues on integration
Location
Fenn Tower Ballroom
Presentation Type
Roundtable Discussion
Start Date
4-11-2014 4:00 PM
End Date
4-11-2014 4:50 PM
Abstract
Feminism and religion—seemingly polarized and often contentious topics—are repeatedly presented as mutually exclusive ideologies. On their own they each generate a great deal of contention. When attempting to integrate these two ideologies, further polarization can occur. In fact, within cohesive religious groups, movement to integrate feminist ideology into one’s religious life is often met with a great deal of resistance from one’s religious leaders, mentors and peers. Similarly, within feminist groups, discussion of religion can result in further subgrouping. Some “schools” of feminism do not leave room for religion, while other feminisms do. Ultimately, those who do attempt to integrate feminism and religion perceive the need to compartmentalize these two superficially opposing identities. Given Counseling Psychology’s valuing of all aspects of diversity (i.e., religion, gender), as well as its respect for a multitude of ideologies and worldviews, it seems that a more in-depth exploration of the ways in which religion and feminism can co-exist (within both individual and group value systems) is long overdue. In fact, there are a great many commonalities between World Religions and Feminisms (Funderburk & Fukuyama, 2002), especially their focus on community and their desire for justice, social change and advocacy for victims of injustice (Zwissler, 2012). It should therefore be unsurprising when people gravitate to both ideologies. Admittedly, while some of the general goals of feminism and religion are the same, the means, mechanisms and foci of advocacy can be very different. In this roundtable, first, the various feminisms and World Religions will be presented along with their views of the other ideology (e.g., the role of women in specific religions and their view of feminism; i.e., Ali, Mahmood, Moel, Hudson & Leathers, 2008: how specific feminisms view religion). Next a scholarly overview of the literature arguing for (i.e., Anagol, 2012) and against the integration of feminism and religion will be presented. Various attempts at integration will be offered for critique (i.e., Jones, 1994; Jones, 2000; Enns, 2004). Finally, a call to engage in difficult dialogues for resolution with a Q&A/discussion follow-up will end the session.
Feminism and religion: Difficult dialogues on integration
Fenn Tower Ballroom
Feminism and religion—seemingly polarized and often contentious topics—are repeatedly presented as mutually exclusive ideologies. On their own they each generate a great deal of contention. When attempting to integrate these two ideologies, further polarization can occur. In fact, within cohesive religious groups, movement to integrate feminist ideology into one’s religious life is often met with a great deal of resistance from one’s religious leaders, mentors and peers. Similarly, within feminist groups, discussion of religion can result in further subgrouping. Some “schools” of feminism do not leave room for religion, while other feminisms do. Ultimately, those who do attempt to integrate feminism and religion perceive the need to compartmentalize these two superficially opposing identities. Given Counseling Psychology’s valuing of all aspects of diversity (i.e., religion, gender), as well as its respect for a multitude of ideologies and worldviews, it seems that a more in-depth exploration of the ways in which religion and feminism can co-exist (within both individual and group value systems) is long overdue. In fact, there are a great many commonalities between World Religions and Feminisms (Funderburk & Fukuyama, 2002), especially their focus on community and their desire for justice, social change and advocacy for victims of injustice (Zwissler, 2012). It should therefore be unsurprising when people gravitate to both ideologies. Admittedly, while some of the general goals of feminism and religion are the same, the means, mechanisms and foci of advocacy can be very different. In this roundtable, first, the various feminisms and World Religions will be presented along with their views of the other ideology (e.g., the role of women in specific religions and their view of feminism; i.e., Ali, Mahmood, Moel, Hudson & Leathers, 2008: how specific feminisms view religion). Next a scholarly overview of the literature arguing for (i.e., Anagol, 2012) and against the integration of feminism and religion will be presented. Various attempts at integration will be offered for critique (i.e., Jones, 1994; Jones, 2000; Enns, 2004). Finally, a call to engage in difficult dialogues for resolution with a Q&A/discussion follow-up will end the session.
