Fourteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Gender and gender differences represent critical areas of argument in the discourse and critique of religious beliefs and practices on spirituality in Africa. Studies have shown that women have continuously and openly been criticized by established religions which have self-consciously analyzed the ways in which concepts of gender, vulnerability, discrimination, and power are situated in contemporary conversations in societies. For instance, the concepts of gender, gender differences, gender influence, religion, and spirituality are all troubled notions that have been in constant change and are difficult to determine where one ends, and the other begins. This conception provides a framework for examining the trajectory of gender differences, power, and spirituality in contemporary society. Methodological and theoretical interpretations are offered that shed light on the correlations between gender, power, and spirituality. Findings are discussed in light of previous research that focuses on gender differences in relationships, in the sense of gender, power, and spirituality.