ANT 394
STUDY GUIDE FOR CHAPTER FIVE IN BOWEN,
"GENDER, RELIGION, AND ETHNOGRAPHY"

In many cultures, rituals define or designate gender
differentiation - emphasizing the difference(s) between
genders.  In others, ritual behavior emphasizes the complementary
nature of gender identity. Patriarchy has been an important feature of
monotheistic religions, with the supporting ideology found in
a literal reading of texts such as the Bible. This concept of
inerrancy is important in understanding the ways in which
gender roles are defined by Christian fundamentalists and
evangelicals. In North Africa, women's spirituality finds
expression in zar, a belief system that coexists with Islam.

Sometimes gender is an important factor in the separation of women and
men in the sacred and secular spheres of activity. The use of
hijab in Islam is complex and is not consistent from country to
country. Nevertheless, it remains a powerful and sometimes
contentious symbol, as shown by recent events in France,
where Mulsim schoolgirls have been expelled
from school for wearing scarves to cover their heads.

Terms from this chapter:

patriarchy
spirit possession
zar
FGM/infibulation
hijab