Natalie

 Horstemeyer  

Professor  Henderson  

Sociology  101  

November  28th,  2014  

Religion  

  Religion  plays  a  big  role  in  society,  given  that  is  a  big  component  of  many  

peoples  every  day  lives.  It  is  universal,  and  it  is  something  that  is  consistent  

throughout  the  rest  of  the  world.  From  a  sociological  perspective,  sociologists  look  

at  religion  in  a  way  that  focuses  on  the  human  aspects  of  religious  belief  and  

practice.  Sociologists  are  interested  in  religion  as  it  is  universal,  and  as  it  affects  

society;  vice  versa,  society  influences  religion.  Religion  offers  people  meaning  and  

morals  to  live  by,  and  unites  society  in  these  ways.    

  From  a  feminist  perspective,  religion  is  seen  as  an  institution  that  women  

hold  a  fundamental  role  in.  Women  are  more  likely  to  encourage  their  children  into  

their,  “…allegiance  to  a  particular  faith,”  (Schafer,227).  As  well,  women  are  more  

likely  to  volunteer  and  dedicate  time  to  the  church.  However,  men  dominate  the  

leadership  and  decision  making  roles,  and  women  are  rarely  seen  as  having  

positions  in  religious  governance.  From  this  perspective,  religion  is  seen  as  another  

source  of  gender  inequality.  

  Hinduism,  however,  is  a  rare  case  of  a  religion  that  supports  leadership  of  

women  with  its,  “…long  goddess  heritage,”  (Schaefer,  228).  Prevalent  in  India  and  

Indian  communities  overseas,  Hinduism  is  followed  by  13.7%  of  the  world  today.  

These  followers  base  their  learning’s  off  the  important  texts  of  the  Sruti  and  Smtri,  
and  by  visiting  the  seven  sacred  cities,  one  of  them  being  Vavansi.    Although  

Hinduism  has  no  specific  founder,  this  religion  plays  a  vital  role  in  Indian  societies  

and  continues  to  be  one  of  the  leading  religions  throughout  the  world.