DEBATE: Is the focus on female virginity and celibacy in some religions a form of controlling women?

Updated Monday, 16th April 2012
Is the idealisation of female virginity an attempt to keep women’s sexuality in check or is it an empowering choice? 

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Celibacy or sexual abstinence has been practiced and valued by women and men within many religious traditions with particular importance being placed on women’s virginity. Is the idealisation of female virginity an attempt to keep women’s sexuality in check or is it an empowering choice? 

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  • What’s the big deal about virginity?

    Celibacy has been valued by women and men within many religious traditions. But why has such high spiritual significance been associated with women’s virginity? 

    Read now to access more details of What’s the big deal about virginity?

    Article

    Level: 1 Introductory

  • Video interview: Catholic bishop, Elizabeth Stuart

    In this video Elizabeth Stuart, Bishop in the Liberal Catholic Church International, talks to the Open University's Graham Harvey about celibacy in religion 

    Watch now to access more details of Video interview: Catholic bishop, Elizabeth Stuart

    Video

    Level: 1 Introductory

 

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