Religious Beliefs are more Similar than We Might like to Acknowledge with regard to Misogyny, Sexism, and Gender Inequality

In Gender and Religion, Dr. Barbara Crandall addresses the relationship between centuries of sexism against women and the five major religions of the modern world

LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) December 28, 2006 -- Barbara Crandall never expected that her career in medical genetics would lead to an investigation into the origins of gender inequality still rampant today. Repeated observations of women involved in decisions, some faith-based, on issues such as abortion and birth control inspired Crandall to look further into causes of atrocities perpetuated against women, sometimes by themselves, throughout history and in countries around the world.

In light of the United States' internal war over a woman's right to choose, sex education in schools, and AIDS prevention, Gender and Religion aptly points out staggering similarities in the ways Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have supported the many cases of unequal and even brutal treatment of women that still continues to the present day. Crandall encompasses not only issues of health but also those involving child custody, career choice, education, and the ability to participate fully in the religion of one's choosing.

Of paramount importance in Crandall's thesis is a pattern within the five major religions of initial equality between the sexes followed by increasing oppression of women throughout the progression of belief, scripture, and practice. Crandall maintains an observant but carefully objective eye, neither slandering nor supporting religion and faith. What she does support, however, is a clear separation of "church and state" if women worldwide are ever going to achieve the rights and opportunities that some take for granted but that so many do not have.

For more information or to request a free review copy, please contact the author via e-mail. Gender and Religion is available for sale online at Amazon.com, Borders.com, BookSurge.com, and through additional wholesale and retail channels worldwide.

About the Author
Dr. Barbara Crandall, MD, is a faculty member of the University of California involved in research, teaching, and clinical care. A recipient of the UCLA Woman of Science Award, she has published numerous papers and edited two books in her field of medical genetics. The proud mother of four, she resides with her husband in Los Angeles, California.

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