Woman under the ethnic religions

by Moses Smith

"Woman under the Ethnic Religions" by Mrs. Moses Smith is a scholarly examination of the roles and treatment of women within various ethnic religions, written in the late 19th century. This book is a critical account focused on religious perspectives and societal implications regarding women's rights and roles across different cultures and faiths. Its aim is to explore how these religious systems shape the lives of women and perpetuate their subjugation. In the book, Mrs. Moses Smith delves into several religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Islam, highlighting the oppressive constructs surrounding women within each. She discusses the historical and contemporary aspects of these religions, emphasizing practices such as child marriage, women’s educational restrictions, and the brutal expectations placed on widows, as seen in Hindu traditions. The author illustrates the cyclical nature of these oppressive structures and argues that the degradation of women affects society as a whole. Through detailed research, she contrasts these systems with Christian principles, advocating for the upliftment and recognition of women's dignity in both religious and societal contexts.