We have established the existence of systematic and predictable differences in cultural attitudes toward gender equality that vary across nations according to their level of human development, within societies based on generational differences, and among social groups according to factors such as education and marital status. Building on this foundation, this chapter demonstrates that the process of societal modernization in any given society is conditioned by cultural legacies and religious traditions. We hypothesize that (1) a process of secularization has gradually accompanied societal modernization, weakening the strength of religious values in postindustrial societies, particularly among the younger generation, and fuelling the rising tide of gender equality. (2) Postindustrial societies have experienced a parallel liberalization of attitudes toward sexuality, exemplified by the issues of abortion, homosexuality, prostitution, and divorce. (3) Yet religiosity continues to exert a strong influence on social norms about the appropriate division of sex roles in the home, the workforce, and the public sphere, especially in agrarian societies. (4) Moreover, attitudes toward women vary among adherents of different religious sects and denominations; in particular, an Islamic religious heritage is one of the most powerful barriers to the rising tide of gender equality.

The literature suggests multiple reasons why religion can be expected to exert a major influence over prevalent attitudes and practices regarding sex roles.

• An extensive body of work in sociology, social psychology, anthropology, and theology studies suggests that religion has functioned as one of the most important agencies of socialization determining social norms and moral values with regard to gender equality in all societies, and influencing support for feminism and attitudes toward the second-wave women's movement. The role of the church in this process is similar to that of other important socialization agencies, including the family, community, school, workplace, and the mass media.

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