Why are some women, such as fundie women, in favor of a patriarchal society?

[raccoon]

Are they just brainwashed? Or is it something else?

[Bunny]

1. It could be brainwashing. Girls who are brought up and sheltered in that environment

are unlikely to have the chance to develop a different point of view.

I also think that it's the cloak of religion that gives these women comfort and a sense of security - they do not have to think or act for themselves, someone else will do it for them. God's will worked out through the graces of their father, and later husband, in other words. All the thoughts and actions they'll ever need are tied up in a nice little bundle and handed to them.

Overall, a pretty nice package if you can stomach it. :eyes:

[Lars39]

2. Enforcement gives them power within that society.

It's limited, but it is power.

[ThomCat]

3. Fear of the unknown

If religion and patriarchy is all you know, and you have invested a lot of effort into fitting in and getting along, and you don't know feminism or feminists, then you're going to defend patriarchy against feminism. Better the oppressor than you know and are comfortable with, than the unknown.

I think part of the sexism in our society is teaching girls and women to be afraid (sometimes with reason, sometimes not). If you're taught to be afraid, then you'll choose the known over the unknown every time.
:(

[ismnotwasm]

4. I think they don't understand what it means

To them, there is a "natural order" of things. In fundamentalism of course, patriarchy is enforced by the bible.

Brainwashed is as good a term as any, but fear is there too. There have been religious women thoughout history who tried with the information they had to buck the system.

Have you ever read "Women Speaking Justified" by Margaret Fell? She was one of the founders of the Quaker religion. It's a tough read with the archaic spelling and language, as well as all the biblical references, but the women kicks ass. Written in the 17 century.
http://www.qhpress.org/texts/fell.html

[bliss_eternal]

8. LOL--just read your post.

...I didn't read yours, prior to posting mine. But coincidentally, we both speak of the bible and churches reinforcing the role of patriarchy (though I don't say it as well as you ;)).

I'll have to check into the book you mentioned, thank you for mentioning it as it sounds like a good read.

This month's Bust has a feature on Mormon women and feminism. It looks very interesting as I wouldn't think "mormon" and "feminism" as synonymous in anyway but apparently it does exist. A quote from the article:

It's probably no surprise that the ranks of Mormon feminist are rife with misfits--like working mothers, scholars, and childless wives.

If you're interested in reading it, maybe your local library carries it--so you can check it out free. I've read it at mine in the past. :hi:

[eridani]

5. Strictly going for the protection racket.

In kindergarten, one of the boys was a constant victim of bullying. One day the bully leader got the cute idea of throwing apples from the playground tree at him, and a significant number of other kids, including girls, were lining up to hand him apples. I'm thinking it was their way of trying to make sure they weren't themselves going to be at the receiving end of the bully's mean streak. I particularly remember one smug little twit with blonde corkscrew curls, and imagine her growing up to be someone like Phyllis Schlafly.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

6. Someone in a similar thread mentioned the "queen bee syndrome"

Those might be women like Phyllis Schlafly, who rise to leadership positions and build successful careers around telling other women to stay home. Or they might be women you know who denigrate other women, while claiming to be exceptions themselves. (I'm sorry to say it, but a lot of self-described "tomboys" do that.) In any case, it's all about getting a pat on the head (or ass) from the guys at the expense of other women. What the Queen Bees fail to realize is that, when it comes down to it, men still view them as contemptible bitches, just like the rest of us.

Same with the fundie women. They think that God will specially reward them for debasing themselves before their husbands, denying themselves sexual pleasure, and being baby machines. And if you've ever listened to any of them being interviewed, they most definitely see themselves as better than us non-saved-career-having-abortion-getting harlots.

[bliss_eternal]

7. Religion can be a form of brainwashing....

...so in a manner of speaking, yes. I believe many rw fundie women to be brainwashed. Everything in church (that I recall) is a major mindfuck (excuse me). They tell you to focus on "godly things":eyes: --reading the bible, watching religious television only,they tell you not to watch the news, etc. :crazy:

Christianity (and most western religions derivative of it) teach obedience and deferment to authority. Authority figures in most cases are men--church figures--priests, reverends, deacons, etc. Why do you think in most church structures women play a support role and are usually not allowed to be reverends, priests, etc.?

There was a huge brouhaha over the episcopal church allowing women to be priests. :eyes:

Churches regularly point out scriptures and biblical parables that speak to the perils of "disobedience" and defying one's "role" in life. How someone faced ruin because they disobeyed god's laws. (Yep--the bible is used to guilt trip and instill fear).

As one that has sat through my fair share of church sermons/lectures there were quite a few that featured "women's role" as helpmate, caregiver, etc. I recall one in particular that stuck with me for years and probably added to my reluctance refusal to return to traditional "christian churches." This speech featured comments such as, "good christian women, know what's important in life. Jobs, careers and money can fade--but family is always there. This is what a good, christian woman nurtures in her life." :puke:

In other words, those women that pursue careers are evil and soul-less. Women that nurture husbands and families will have the blessings of the lord. :eyes: (yes, you can vomit now).

Such a bunch of crap.

I know of too many "good, christian women" that were left by their husbands or traded in for "younger models." :eyes: But no one talks about that. What about the women that spent their entire lives giving to their families only to wake up one day with nothing--the kids grew up and left, husbands died or left....they had no career, no interests, no hobbies, etc. :shrug:

Or the way such women are usually shunned(or ignored) by the church when it happens. They're told to "pray" their feelings away when they have every right to be angry and depressed.

Oh and 'familY' is NOT a constant in a woman's life, no matter how "good", faithful or giving a woman is to them.
Families can (and do)fail people. People are fallible and capable of betrayal whether blood related or not. Telling women to pour everything into a family no matter what--is a not so subtle form of brainwashing, as far as I'm concerned. It sets so many women up for disappointment, disillusionment and heartache.

[bliss_eternal]

9. On edit---

as it's too late for me to edit the above...

I believe that for women that are brought up in such religious traditions, it doesn't occur to them to question the status quo-- which includes patriarchy.

[BlueIris]

10. It's easier to "make nice" with the abuser than to reject him and declare independence.

Much easier.

[raccoon]

11. Good point. nt