Gender stratification is the unequal distribution of resources, e.g. wealth and power on the basis of gender. When clearly defined, gender may refer to the differences in behavior between males and females that are socially learned and culturally based and accepted ( Appelbaum & Chambliss,2008). Therefore in every society, the distribution of resources is based on whether on is a male or female. In every society, the primary and secondary division between people is based on gender ( Henslinn, 1999).
Since gender stratification cuts across all aspects, denying women leadership positions in religious activities is still gender stratification. This is because the society has accepted the ideological dogma that men should gain power and more resources than women, hence gender stratification still applies in religion. A good example is drawn from the Islam community, Where a woman cannot become an imam. All positions pertaining to one being an imam are reserved for the male gender. In case there is no man to take such leadership positions, then other men will be exported from other mosques to come and lead! A classic view of gender stratification, hence so patriarchal.
Prohibition of women from the same economic activities as men also indicate serious gender stratification. This has been seen where men occupy prestigious jobs while women have been associated with childcare and home jobs ( Linda, 1983). Through differential access, men have been able to get and possess greater margins of access to the labor market than women. To make matters worse, women have been associated with lower pay for the same job whose qualifications remain constant as compared to men, who earn more.
Foe there to be equality between men and women, proper policies for understanding equality should be introduced at the family level immediately a child is born. They have to be brought up believing in equality, and parents should not treat them on the basis of gender, e.g. all types of work should be able to be done by everyone whether boy or girl. At the national level, championship for feminism should be solidified, which seeks for equality between men and women. Courts should also be strengthened to deal with cases involving gender stratification.
