Women and Religion: A Sociological Analysis

Women are the torch-bearers of religion and play an important role in preserving both religion and culture. The impact of feminism, education and urbanisation has produced tremendous changes in the religious practices of Indian women and has affected their religious status too. However, modern educated women are not content with the secondary role assigned to them by religion. They now question some of the dysfunctional aspects of religion. The present study, which aims at systematic discourse on women and religion shows how another male bastion has fallen with Maharashtrian women taking enthusiastically to ‘Pourohitya’– priesthood. As many as 1,600 women actively conduct all the important rites connected with birth, marriage and death. Women priests are being increasingly preferred by the younger generation because they are more easily accessible, very sincere and less money-minded. This interesting and stimulating book not only delineates the dissatisfactory role of religion in women’s life but also presents a clear picture of women’s perseverance in continuing with religious practices despite having to play a secondary role. It will benefit all those interested in the study of religion, women and society.