The Necessity of Gender Perspective in Folk Religious Studies: Focusing on Female Practitioners
It is difficult for women to undertake ascetic practices (shugyō) in Japanese society. First, traditional teachings such as the so-called five obstacles ( goshō) and the notion of blood as pollution (ketsue) are mobilized to prevent women from entering sacred spaces and states. Second, if a woman is...
| Published in: | Religious studies in Japan |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Japanese Association for Religious Studies
2022
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| In: |
Religious studies in Japan
Year: 2022, Volume: 6, Pages: 51-68 |
| Further subjects: | B
folk studies
B minzokugaku B female practitioners B mountain devotion B patriarchal systems B Gender |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | It is difficult for women to undertake ascetic practices (shugyō) in Japanese society. First, traditional teachings such as the so-called five obstacles ( goshō) and the notion of blood as pollution (ketsue) are mobilized to prevent women from entering sacred spaces and states. Second, if a woman is married, she will immediately encounter major barriers to the completion of her ascetic training. This creates the challenge of maintaining the role of housewife at home while also undertaking the training. In contrast, male practitioners ( gyōja) are less likely to encounter such problems, even if they have a family. There is an asymmetry at play based on gender differences: this becomes clear through an analysis of gender dynamics. This paper critically examines how folk studies (minzokugaku) and folk religious studies (minzoku shūkyō kenkyū) have depicted female religious practitioners. It will then discuss the need to cultivate an awareness of gender dynamics by researchers and religious authorities, and will explore the possibility of achieving gender equality in religious groups. |
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| ISSN: | 2186-9952 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Religious studies in Japan
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