When did patriarchy start and why? What explanation did the major world religions offer for womens inferiority? How have their beliefs and scriptures influenced womens lives in different parts of the world where they are the dominant faith? Gender and Religion 2nd Edition investigates the statement that the major world religions consider women to be inferior to men by reviewing the religious tracts and laws relating to women. Presenting the socio-political context in which these ideas developed, Barbara Crandall reveals that none of them invented the concept, but accepted it as the custom of human society where and when each began.Using material on the history of patriarchy and up-to-date discussions of womens achievements, the book explores the way gender issues are addressed in the various sacred texts impacting upon womens education, employment, property and inheritance rights, franchise and participation in government, marriages, rights to their children, practice of religion, and control of their own bodies.

Impressive dossier on religion's impact on women's lives throughout history, this comprehensive new edition provides additional material on patriarchy and up-to-date figures on women's achievements. When did patriarchy start and why? What explanation did the major word religions offer for women's inferiority? How have their beliefs and scriptures influenced women's lives in different parts of the world where they are the dominant faith? "Gender and Religion, 2nd Edition" investigates the statement that the major world religions consider women to be inferior to men by reviewing the religious tracts and laws relating to women. Presenting the socio-political context in which these ideas developed, Barbara Crandall reveals that none of them invented the concept, but accepted it as the custom of human society where and when each began. With new material on the history of patriarchy and up-to-date discussions of women's achievements, the book explores the way gender issues are addressed in the various sacred texts impacting upon women's education, employment, property and inheritance rights, franchise and participation in government, marriages, rights to their children, practice of religion, and control of their own bodies.

Women born in England in the 1880s could expect little if any education, no rights to the custody of their children, and no right to vote. They had only recently been given the right to control their own earned income and property. They usually stayed at home until they found a husband, unless forced to work to support family members. Lysbeth rebelled against all of this and set off alone for Australia where she worked on the outback for three years, returning to England during WWI. She worked first as a nurse's aide, then trained as a physical therapist, after which she practiced in clinics in London. During the last part of the war, Lysbeth fell in love with a young army officer who later joined the British colonial service and was posted to Malaysia. After three years apart, they were married within a few hours of her arrival in Penang. Lysbeth and Ted lived in different parts of Malaysia and Singapore until he was taken prisoner by the Japanese in WWII. Lysbeth, who was in England with their three children at that time, returned to work and established a home for her family in London. Ted survived the war and they were re-united in London. A feminist before her time, Lysbeth believed women could achieve equality if only they were educated. She demanded - and got - the best that was available for her children, all girls. Despite dark periods in her life, Lysbeth remained an eternal optimist, whose energy and determination were infectious and raised the spirits of those around her.