Theoretical Framework
The neoliberal theory also known as the New Right (Haralambos et al. 2008) was advanced to accommodate the free market in the capitalist economy which it recommends as the best basis for organizing a freer society and ensuring greater participation of individuals both in the economic and religious spheres. The theory as advanced by Haralambos et al. (2008) posits that market forces encourage competition, which stimulates innovation and efficiency hence, should be allowed free flow for the development of all and sundry. The New Right i.e. neoliberalism pioneers believed that the overbearing influence and intervention of the state in an economy or any part of social institutions must be avoided if individual rights are to be promoted. Advocates of this theoretical perspective believe that development, freedom and majority participation in societal affairs is anchored on the deregulation of the society. They argue that free market systems offer economic and religious freedom that lead to greater choices for each individual including women. Stambaugh (2015) believes that one of the central ideological positions of neoliberalism (which is the maximization of individual freedom) helps to undermine patriarchal and sexist norms.
Cornwall et al (2008) summarized a conference discussion on neoliberalism and women empowerment and pinpointed the complex relationship between the two. They posited that the rhetoric of empowerment creates potential for symbiosis.
Neoliberalism in its pristine form has destabilized an order context of patriarchy and has stressed greater choices for both men and women; indeed it is this ‘shared pursuit of choice’ that characterizes one of the points of convergence between feminism and neoliberalism.(Cornwall, A. et al. 2008. Introduction: Reclaiming Feminism: Gender and Neoliberalism. P.2)
The concept of formal or legal equality developed and advanced by Saunders (1993) to buttress his expostulation on neoliberalism involves all members of the society being subject to the same law or rules hence, special rules should not be made for different genders and restrictions should not be placed on the basis of gender. To Saunders (1990), individuals are judged according to “what” they do and not according to “who” they are. To this end, the regulation of religion by the state (which is often arranged in a patriarchal manner and favored men) promoted the dominance of men in all spheres, religion inclusive. The entrance of women into the political and economic decision making stages through neoliberal activism has led to the deregulation of the church to accommodate women as well. Neoliberal theory most often dwells on the roles and dictates of state (best put otherwise) which makes its applicability in the analysis of the concept of women empowerment vis-à-vis religion timely and worthwhile.
The somewhat marginalization of women through the dictates of religion over the years has been attributed to the patriarchal nature of some societies where it exists while the recent gains of religion in the empowerment of women as showcased all over the world (e.g. Saudi Arabia and Nigeria etc.) is owed to the realization of the states in allowing individual forces and goals to be furthered which in turn furthers the interest of the society as a whole. As a theory, neoliberalism is associated with neoclassical economic policies which are aimed at decreasing government control (of religion and other spheres) and allowing individuals of all genders to thrive (Kendall, 2003). With its global dynamism, this is the backdrop of most recent women empowerment through religion albeit other spheres/institutions. Such policies are predicated on the presupposition that private property laws free individual entrepreneurship (women and men inclusive) and a consequent improvement of their well being.
Despite the evidence that religion continues to consolidate gender inequality in post industrial societies, Woodhead (2013) posited that intensifying secularization and de-religionization (as pioneered by neoliberalism) is positively correlated with growing gender equality. Although neoliberal theory is mostly economically applicable owing to its economic base, it has been found worthy to accommodate and further the course of equal rights for equal society for both genders hence its employment and applicability to the topic under study.