Women, Religion, and Modernization: Tradition and Transformation among Elderly Jews in Israel

Abstract

Modernization affects the religious lives of women in diverse and dramatic ways. On the one hand, women may find increased arenas for religious involvement, both inside and outside of traditional religious frameworks. Simultaneously, women's rituals and beliefs are often especially vulnerable to attacks from the forces of modernization. This paper focuses on the experience of elderly Jewish women of Asian origin who now live in modern Israel. The author suggests that the very nature of women's religion—domestic, personal, hidden, and flexible—explains its tenacity and creativity in the face of modernization. These findings are examined within a broad, cross‐cultural context.

An Expression of Cultural Change: Invisible Converts to Protestantism among Highland Guatemala Mayas

“…For example, the "new" moral code discusses the love and respect for one's spouse and family (as does the old), but it is the strict behavioral regulations which, especially from the perspective offered by women, imply an improvement in their own lives. Studies report the positive effects that conversion seems to have on women, either by allowing them access to literacy (Sered 1990), compensating for loss of prestige, as with Navajo women (Blanchard 1975), providing advice, and, as in our case, by restricting alcohol consumption and polygyny in Guatemala (Bossen 1984). The apparent freedom of Catholics "to do whatever one wants" often translates into freedom to drink, to womanize, to misbehave, according to Protestants.…”

Modernization as Changes in Cultural Complexity: New Cross-Cultural Measurements

“…The more complex society steps in and replaces these social roles with professionals such as doctors, governmentappointed chiefs, teachers, missionaries, and wageworkers. Sered (1990) reported that social roles and family structure were changed during the process of modernization in Colombia:…”

“…The stress that women experience depends on the social roles women play in the modern economy and their involvement with their husband's family and kin rather than on modern attitudes or modern economic participation (Weisner & Abbott, 1975). Sered (1990) suggested that modernization in any society has a paradoxical effect on women's lives and religion. Modernization opens up new opportunities for women in male-dominated religious ceremonies.…”

“…Similarly, Oglala Sioux women at the Pine Ridge Reservation now participate in ritual dances, called ghost dance and vision dance, that were once restricted to men (Sered, 1990). In modern India, women who stay at home often perform the morning worship to the deity in the home shrine.…”

“…In modern India, women who stay at home often perform the morning worship to the deity in the home shrine. The Hindu men who would normally perform these morning rituals do not have the time now because the modern workday requires them to be at work early in the morning (Sered, 1990).…”