"Breaking the Mold: Unveiling Double Standards in Religious Patriarchal Communities”

The prevalence of double standards within religious patriarchal communities is a stark reminder of the complex gender dynamics that persist in such contexts.

Here we aim to dissect the various forms of double standards that women and men encounter, highlighting the unequal treatment, contradictory expectations, and inherent biases that shape their lives.

By examining these double standards, we can uncover the underlying power imbalances and advocate for more equitable and inclusive religious spaces.

One glaring form of double standard lies in the realm of purity and modesty expectations.

You knew that one was coming, didn't you?

Women are often held to stricter standards of dress and behavior, with their perceived virtue tied to their adherence to modesty codes and their virginity. Because you know...men are big and strong and so very powerful...until they see too much skin on a woman.

Come on. Seriously?

In contrast, men are rarely subjected to the same level of scrutiny, reinforcing the notion that women's worth is primarily determined by their appearance and conformity to societal norms.

You know...like cooking, cleaning, having babies, and being available for sex whenever their husband gets the urge.

Another double standard manifests in leadership and decision-making roles.

Men are frequently favored for positions of authority within religious hierarchies, while women's potential contributions are downplayed or altogether dismissed.

This unequal distribution of power not only perpetuates male dominance but also denies women the opportunity to fully participate in shaping the spiritual direction of their communities.

The realm of sexuality also reveals stark double standards.

While men may face minimal consequences for premarital or extramarital relationships, women often endure severe judgment, ostracism, and even violence.

And if one of the women is assaulted by one of the men, surely she was in some way "asking for it." Women hear about Bathsheba's "sin", while men hear about how David did wrong because of her. And suddenly the innocent victim has been labeled a Jezebel.

This glaring inequity reflects deeply ingrained ideas about male entitlement and female submission, ultimately reinforcing women's subjugation within religious patriarchal communities.

Economic disparities are yet another facet of double standards in these communities.

Comments are made in extremely disrespectful tones about how women spend their man's hard-earned money while neglecting to state the fact that the women are not allowed to be in the work force making their own money.

Women's financial independence and career aspirations are frequently discouraged or sacrificed in favor of their roles as homemakers and caregivers.

Because you can't be a good mom and have a career at the same time.

Men, on the other hand, are expected to provide materially for their families and are seen as weak if they cannot.

This discrepancy perpetuates financial dependence, limiting women's agency and reinforcing traditional gender roles.

It makes it extremely difficult for an abused woman to escape because she has no financial resources to help her establish a safe environment for herself.

It is crucial to recognize that these double standards are not exclusive to religious teachings but are constructed by cultural interpretations and practices, even here in the United States.

Efforts to challenge and change these disparities must involve a reexamination of these interpretations, fostering inclusive and just religious spaces that value the contributions and rights of all individuals, regardless of gender.

Acknowledging and dismantling double standards within religious patriarchal communities is a critical step toward gender equality.

By addressing these biases and challenging deeply ingrained norms, we can work toward creating environments where individuals of all genders can fully express their spirituality, contribute their talents, and experience the fundamental human right to be treated with dignity and fairness.

If you are in a situation where you are being treated as less than simply because you are a woman, please know that it was never meant to be that way.

If you need help getting out of a abusive situation, please, reach out to us. We would love to help you!

Women are not lesser beings.

Stop treating them like they are.

Bathsheba was a victim.

David was a criminal.

And he was the one God punished.

Remember that.

~Rebecca Martin

08/23/2023