| dc.description.abstract | This thesis focuses on the perpetuation of gender inequality by five religions: Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism, to show how they impede the success
of various attempts to end discrimination against women. Gender discrimination
arguably remains unexplored academic and social problem which should command
attention of a cross-section of scholar and policy makers, so that it can be understood
and solved.To give a philosophical approach to this problem by investigating the logical and empirical foundations of the religions' claims that women are naturally inferior to men,this thesis proposes that such claims are logically and empirically indefensible. They greatly undermine the success of various attempts to eradicate gender inequality. Then using tools of philosophical inquiry, especially analytic, didactic and conceptual
methods, various religions were objectively examined in view of the above propositions.
This rigorous philosophical investigation confirmed that these religions allege that women's intellectual, moral, spiritual and naturally inferiority to men. However,
upon thorough conceptual and analytical examination such claims were found to be
based on myths and conjectures, thus are unverifiable and logically unjustifiable. It was
also established that such religions are patriarchal oriented and subjugating women.
Consequently, the study proved that despite logical and empirical indefensibility
of the religions' claims about the nature of women, they continue to influence peoples
thought and action therefore impede progress on gender equality. The study argues that
since the foundation of such religions are themselves ontologically and epistemologically problematic, as they are logically and empirically unfounded. The study concludes that social gender construction done by patriarchy and supported by the attendant religion is not impartial as it works against the well being of female gender. This is radically different from biological gender hence, the two must
not be seen as equivalent and used against women.Finally, the study suggests that such prejudicial social construction of gender are challengeable and changeable unlike the biological sex. Hence they should be deconstructed by dismantling their religious foundations. Thus, attention should be focused on this area with the aim of destroying the social sex and reconstructing their biological sex to reflect the complimentary functions.In summary, the introductory chapter encompass the statement of the problem,the objectives, justification and significant, hypotheses and methodology of the
research. Chapter two presents critical discussion of the views of certain eminent
scholars concerning discrimination and subjugation of women. The chapter argues that
these scholars supported subjugation of women in a patriarchal setting .The chapter
also argues that such claims are hollow as the scholars failed to adduce sufficient
empirical evidence to justify their claims.Chapter three gives operational definition of religion before examining Judaism and Christianity to expose their scriptures which impact negatively on liberation of women. It argues that the two religions, being patriarchal, basically defend patriarchal ideologies of dominating women, albeit without logical basis.Chapter Four critically examines three religions Islam, Hinduism and
Confucianism: The three religions are found to be both patriarchal oriented are
oppressive to women hence contradicts United Nations strategies for liberating women.
The concluding chapter offers a summary of the whole thesis and give incite on
the whole issue of gender discrimination as practised by religions. It argues that the
religions are a creation of patriarchy to defend its tenets against women. Some
recommendations are offered, and it is also observed that they may be difficult to
implement but not impossible. | en |
