The Dark Shadow Shrine

embrace the darkness; that you may see the light nestled within it......

Friday, February 08, 2013

Obedient Wives Club


Article 1 talks about the example of the Obedient Wive's Club. This eg is interesting for a few reasons. It is a refutation of the point that education can liberate women from their traditional subservient position in society. Why? The person who started the club holds a doctorate (i.e. phD) and is educated in France. The Vice-President who is mentioned in the article, is also a phD holder.

Another useful point is how Islam is invoked for the practices advocated by the club. Note that invoking the authority of religion is very powerful as people (esp uneducated ones) are unlikey to question God's words, even if the practice is controversial. To them, faith is blind, and sometimes beyond logic. But the article also goes on to defend religion, arguing that the Koran does celebrate women's achievements. Also noteworthy is the point about how traditions that may work in the past need not necessarily apply today, esp since more women are in the workforce today, making thier subservient role in society incongurent with reality.

Article 2 is a humourous anecdote about how women are defined by their role at home as a keeper of the house. A woman is someone who does house chores at home, not someone in the corporate or political world who wields great influence. The woman in the story could have been a high-flying executive, but in the eyes of the man (and society?), she is just someone who should be doing house chores at home. Such a social mindset of women is a big obstacle in the advancement of women. Think glass ceiling. Religion, tradition and culture are a major contribution to this social mindset of women too.  
article 1
 

article 2