The Social Basis of Antifeminism: Religious Networks and Culture

Among the various attempts to identify the social roots of antifeminism, two theories in particular are prominent. The first argues that for both men and women, anti-abortion and anti-ERA sentiments have disproportionate appeal among lower socioeconomic status, rural, and older constituencies. The second asserts that for women these sentiments are most common among those most vulnerable to and dependent upon men. Examination of studies of anti-abortion and anti-ERA opinion suggest that both theories are wrong: What distinguishes opponents of abortion and ERA from proponents is neither social position nor personal dependency but rootedness in religious networks. Degree of religious involvement determines availability to feminist or antifeminist mobilzation and shapes cultural beliefs about the conditions that empower women and ensure their security. Both of these, in turn, determine opinion on abortion and ERA.