Women and the Politics of Religion in Israel

In: Human rights quarterly: a comparative and international journal of the social sciences, humanities, and law, Band 11, Heft 4, S. 483-503

Abstract

An analysis of the impact of religious ideas on the status of Jewish Israeli women. The actuality of gender inequality, manifest in politics & employment, is explained by the imposition on the state of the Jewish ultra-Orthodox view that women should shun public activity, as their proper place is at home. This reality is placed in historical context, explaining the gradual accumulation of political power by the ultra-Orthodox. It is contended that the Rabbinical Court system, which has almost exclusive jurisdiction over marriage & divorce law, is the major avenue of discrimination against the non-Orthodox majority of Israel. Examined are the Orthodox rituals of marriage & divorce & rules concerning widowers & abandoned women, considered by many non-Orthodox women degrading & coercive. Also investigated is the relative absence of women from politics, which is articulated & reinforced by ultra-Orthodox disrespect for women. In conclusion, the advent of Israeli feminist action & its possible impact on future women's rights are described. I. Shagrir