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Feminism and World Religions
Title: Feminism and World Religions
Student name
Course
Institution
Date
Introduction
The society is predominantly patrichial in that most of the social issues are controlled by men while the women are left to perform duties that are perceived to be feminine and for appropriate for their gender. Social inequality is so prevent in all the social institutions which include in the economic, cultural, political and even in the religious sectors. The following discussion will focus on the feminism movement in a view to look at their contribution to the issues of gender inequality.
Discussion
Feminism is a movement that was started with am aim of fighting for the rights of the women. From history, it has been said that the society has a way of constructing ways of deciding who performs which roles and the rewards for that. This only helps in creating social status whereby some groups of people are considered superior and others weak.
Many religious functions are observed to be performed by men and as if that is not enough, in certain religious affiliations, women and children are treated equally and they are expected to remain silence in matters of religion. This is a kind of inequality that is being addressed in the book by Arvind Sharma
In the book review by Sharma (1999), religion has been thought as the only way by which the gender equality will be attained. However, she begins by posing a question that, ‘if by circumcision one becomes a Muslim man, then how does one identify a Muslim woman?’ these are social issues for identity but which lean so much on the male gender while discriminating against the women.
The writer of the book is a religious scholar who has employed a number of perspectives to support his assertions. Some of these approaches include the Marxism, Romantism, and modern psychoanalysis. For instance, in the Marxism approach, it is said that the society is stratified into distinctive classes with the dominant group being superior. The culture of the powerful class dictates the policies that are to be formulated in all the social institutions.
In trying to apply that approach to explain the plight of women in the society, Arvind Sharm(1999), explains that men tend to be socially, economically and culturally dominant over women. In trying to maintain their status, the men will want to demand for submission from women by ensuring that they remain in the low class. However, Karl Marx provided an option for this by stating that the only way the oppressed can liberate themselves is by revolution or demonstrations through movements.
It has also been observed that women on the other hand have a way of creating classes amongst themselves. A study conducted in India indicates that Hindu women have structural differences in their religious affiliations especially in areas of Kerale and Timilnadu. For instance, those that come from these two areas are superior to those that come from other areas. It can therefore be observed that religion has not yet succeeded in creating equality even amongst the women.
Through the rise of the feminist groups however, the wome4n have empowered themselves and gained confidence and it can be observed from these lines in a poem written by Jonabai, ‘let me not be sad because I was born a woman, in this world many saints suffer this way,” (Sharma 1999). This indicates that there has been a great stride that the religion has played in alleviating the position of a woman in the society.
Conclusion
The religious institution should offer a good example to the other social structures by ensuring that both ganders are accorded the same privileges and rights. Women on the other hand should not remain silent to be perpetual oppression but should rise up and let the world no that there is no superior gender.
Reference
Methodology in Religious Studies (2003) the Interface with Women’s Studies (State University of New York Press ISBN 978-0791453476
Arvind Sharma &Katherine K. Young (1999). Feminism and World Religion state University of New York Press
FASCISM CRITICIZE THE FIRST IDEOLOGY FROM THE STANDPOINT OF LIBERALISM
FASCISM CRITICIZE THE FIRST IDEOLOGY FROM THE STANDPOINT OF LIBERALISM
Fascism begun during the 1920s and ’30s partially out of fear of the increasing power of the working classes; it differed from contemporary communism as practiced under Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union by its protection of commerce and landowning elites and its preservation of class systems. The leaders of the fascist governments of Italy (1922–43), Germany (1933–45), and Spain (1939–75)—Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, and Francisco Franco—were perceived by their publics as embodiments of the power and resolve necessary to liberate their nations from political and economic chaos as well as confusion . Japanese fascists (1936–45) encouraged belief in the uniqueness of the Japanese spirit and taught subordination to the state and personal sacrifice.
Fascism is guided by three core tenets among others. Pro fascists scholars and ideologists do believe as well as advocate for a number of these tenets;
First, they believe that nationalism is the main basis of fascism. They view a nation state as a harmonious whole which unites people on the basis of their origin and is a normal unifying factor of public. In their accord, fascism aims to solve economic, political, as well as social plights the publics face by achieving a millenarian countrywide rebirth, promoting cults of harmony, strength as well as transparency. Fascist movements in Europe all classically espoused a discriminatory conception of non-Europeans as being inferior to Europeans, thus this is a form of racial profiling. Beyond this however, fascists in the Europe region have not held an integrated set of racial and ethnic views.
Secondly, pro fascists encourage the development of a totalitarian state. The Doctrine of Fascism puts across, “The Fascist scrutiny of the State is comprehensive; outside of the state, no individual or divine values can exist, much less have significance. Thus it is understood, Fascism is authoritarian in nature, and so is the Fascist nation State—a combination and a unit comprising of all values—interprets, builds up, as well as potentiates the entire life of a people.” On a Legal foundation of the Totaitarianl State, Nazi theorist Carl Schmitt portrayed the Nazi objective to outline a “powerful nation state which warrants a totality of political harmony which goes beyond all diversity” so as to evade a “devastating pluralism tearing the German public apart”. Fascist nation states practised policies of societal indoctrination through the use propaganda in schooling and the media as well as the rules and regulations of the production of learning and media materials. To that extent therefore, education was designed to elevate the fascist movement and enlighten learners of its political and historical significance to the nation. It aimed at elimination of ideas that were not consistent with the principles of the fascist groups and to educate students to be compliant to the state.
Lastly, pro fascists advocate for Third Position economics whereby such economics is considered a “third position” substitute to Marxism and capitalism , since fascism declares both as being outdated and obsolete.
Pro fascists also believed in totalitarianism, single party state, dictatorship, militarism as well as direct action among others which are all salient features of totalitarian regimes.
Fascism was succeeded by Neo fascism which like earlier fascist movements, neofascism championed extreme nationalism, did not support liberal individualism, attacked Marxist and other left-wing ideologies, indulged in racist and xenophobic scapegoating, and promoted populist right-wing economic programs.
Liberalist on the other hand as well is a product of the idealist school of thought. Unlike the realists who say that the state/nation state is the sole actor in the international system, Idealists and in this case liberalists advocate for creation of non state actors which should co exist with the state actors in the International system.
Liberals advocate for a wide array of opinions and views depending on their understanding of these principles as well as tenets, but they generally support ideas such as free, fair and transparent elections, issues to do with civil and related rights, freedom of the media and press, freedom of association and religion, issues to do with free trade, and private ownership of property. Liberals are against traditional conservatism and also seek to change absolutism in government regimes with democracy and republicanism as well as the rule of law.
Liberalists argue that a nation state should submit some of its sovereignty and allow for non state actors to form part of the International system such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) which is a non state actor that eases the exchange of goods and services in the International System.
Liberalists believe that its only through free and fair elections that a democratic government can be achieved. Of importance is peace in the International System. The Democratic peace theory states that with an increase in democracies in the world then the end result is sustainable peace in the International system. This has been evident in the growth and development of non democracies to democracies since in recent times the increase in the number of democracies has had the end product of sustained peace in the international system.
Finally, pro liberalist advocate for political freedom. They believe that this freedom has a number of advantages when it comes to matters of achieving democratic governments. Political freedom therefore is the according to liberalists is the foundation upon which other forms of liberty depend upon; freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of movement among others.
This paper thus seeks to critique the fascist vis a vis the liberalist points of view in one of or the following ways; In as much as the fascist approach which embraces autocratic forms of government in practice to achieve social, economic political and other forms of development. This perspective is subject to modern criticism, for instance, one such Nation state that does not reflect and support this fascist perspective is the North Korean nation state. For decades this state has not developed socially, economically and politically but on the other hand its totalitarian leadership has focused on military superiority thus losing sight on the basic issues of human and related rights. On the other hand most governments in the international system have embraced liberalism, they have developed socially, economically and politically.
Fascist governments, being totalitarian in nature more often than not hold free and fair elections. This implies lack of democracy and consequently may lead to political instability and thus war or a revolution .One reason of the Arab Spring Revolution of 2011 to date (on going in Syria) was propelled by the citizens glamour for change against totalitarian regimes. It led to political instability in the Arab League region.
In conclusion therefore it would be naïve to state that compared to liberalism, fascism is effective. In the present day international system ,in as much as fascisms exists in its smallest portions, it is becoming extinct whereas on the other hand liberalism is at the center stage of play in the international arena.
REFERENCE
John, P 1998, The Fascist Experience in Italy. Routledge, United Kingdom
Shaw, G K 1988, Keynesian Economics: The Permanent Revolution. Aldershot, England
Female vs. Male Reproductive system
Female vs. Male Reproductive system
Name
Institution
Primary reproductive structures
The primary reproductive structures of the females include the vagina, which is a canal that joins the cervix outside the body. The vagina is also referred to as the birth canal. The uterus is a hollow organ where the fetus develops. It is divided into two parts, the cervix, and the corpus. The corpus expands to hold a developing baby. The fallopian tubes are attached to the upper part of the uterus and are pathways for the ova (McHose, 2004).
The primary male reproductive structures include the vas deferens located behind the bladder and transports mature sperms. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder and ejaculates semen.Ducts
The male reproductive system has two ejaculatory ducts that lie on the sides of the midline. Ducts of seminal vesicle form the ejaculatory ducts, which is responsible for secretion of semen. Each duct is thin walled and has a lining of columnar cells.Associated glands
The female reproductive system has the Bartholins glands that are found near the vaginal opening on either sides and they produce a fluid that is mucus like. The ovaries are oval shaped glands located on the sides of the uterus and they produce eggs and hormones.
The male reproductive system has the prostate glands located below the urinary bladder near the rectum. The prostate glands are known to contribute to additional fluid of the ejaculate. The prostate fluids also nourish the sperm. The bulbourethral glands also called the Cowper’s glands are located at the sides of the urethra and they produce a fluid that empties directly into the urethra.External genital structures
The male external genital structures include the penis, scrotum, and testicles. The penis is the male organ that is used for sexual intercourse. It is formed by three parts inclusive of the root that attaches it to the abdomen, the body, and the glands. The gland, which is also referred to as the head, is covered by loose skin called foreskin. The penis also consists of several nerve endings. The penis is cylindrical in shape and it has a loose skin that is elastic to accommodate changes in penis size during an erection. The scrotum is a loose pouch like skin that hangs behind a penis. It consists of the testicles, nerves, and blood vessels. The scrotum plays a protective function and acts as a climate control for the testes. For normal sperm, development testes need to be at a temperature cooler than the body temperature. The testicles lie inside the scrotum and are secured by a structure called spermatic cord. Men usually have two testicles. The testicles are responsible for production of testosterone, which is the primary male sex hormone. The epididymis is long and it is located at the backside of every testicle. It carries out the function of transporting and storing sperm cells that are produced in the testes. It also carries out the function of bringing sperms into maturity (McHose, 2004).
The female external genital structure includes the labia Majora, which are large, lips enclosing the external reproductive organs. The labia Major contains sweat and oil secreting glands. The labia Minora are small lips that vary in size and shape. They are found inside the labia Majora and they surround the opening of the vagina and the urethra. This skin is delicate and sensitive and gets easily swollen and irritated. The clitoris is found where the two labia minora meet, it is small and sensitive protrusion. A skin fold called prepuce that is similar to the foreskin of a penis covers the clitoris. The clitoris is very sensitive and with stimulation, it can become very sensitive and erect (McHose, 2004).
References
McHose, C. (2004). Bodystories: A guide to experiential anatomy. Hanover, NH: University
Press of New England.