Women's patriarchal ideologies in Buddhist religious practices and rituals in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: In Sri Lankan society, Buddhist religious rituals often reflect deep-rooted patriarchal ideologies, affecting the degree of women's participation in spiritual practices. Although the core teachings of Buddhism advocate gender equality, cultural traditions have created limitations for women. The main objective of this study is to explore the extent to which patriarchal norms affect women's participation in Buddhist religious rituals and practices, and to examine the societal attitudes that sustain these limitations. Method: The study used a purposive sampling method to select 52 Buddhist women from 12 districts across Sri Lanka. Participants were 18 years or older and actively involved in religious activities. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms between January and March 2025. The questionnaire gathered data on personal experiences, gender roles in rituals, and societal perspectives. Results: The descriptive statistical analysis revealed that 86.5% of respondents felt restricted from fully participating in certain religious practices due to their gender, 78.8% reported being discouraged from participating in rituals during menstruation, which is locally referred to as "Killa" (impurity) and 69.2% believed that men are given more religious authority and spiritual recognition than women. These findings indicate that patriarchal ideologies are deeply embedded in religious traditions and are often justified by cultural narratives that position men as dominant spiritual figures. Conclusions: The study concludes that despite Buddhism's emphasis on equality, traditional beliefs continue to marginalize women in religious contexts. To challenge these ideologies, educational initiatives and community dialogues should be implemented. Religious leaders should be encouraged to recognize and support women's active involvement in religious rituals. Promoting inclusivity and raising awareness are essential to creating a more balanced and equitable religious culture in Sri Lanka.