Although women constitute the majority of the participants in religious bodies, they are least represented among the leadership of religious organizations. Some sociologists of religion have noted that as religious groups become more established, they become increasingly more patriarchal.  Moreover, evidence suggests this phenomenon to be true even of groups founded by women themselves.  By examining the social and cultural factors that have hindered and supported women’s access to leadership in religious organizations, the course will investigate whether or not patriarchal religious institutions are inevitable. In particular will consider how patriarchy pervades institutions despite their desire to resist its influences. Assignments will include an in-class mid-term, a mid-semester project where students will interview a woman in leadership, and a final exam.