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Topic 5 of 7 · Form 6

Family, marriage, gender and sexuality ethics

Gender roles in religious traditions; patriarchy and its critiques; feminist theology (reading scriptures for women's liberation); women's leadership in religion; gender-based violence and religious responses.

Notes for this topic 1 file, in order

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  1. PDFFamily, marriage, gender and sexuality ethics – Family and Religious Studies notes (ZIMSEC A Level)46.9 KB

Marriage in different traditions

  • ATR: a union of families; roora/lobola; polygamy accepted; children highly valued.
  • Christianity: monogamous covenant; marriage as a sacrament (Catholic) or covenant; teachings on divorce vary.
  • Islam: nikah contract; mahr (dowry paid to the bride); polygyny permitted under conditions (up to four wives, with equal treatment).
  • Civil law: the Marriages Act (2022) brings registration of customary marriages, prohibits marriage under 18, and recognises civil partnerships in certain circumstances.

Gender

Gender roles in religious traditions; patriarchy and its critiques; feminist theology (reading scriptures for women's liberation); women's leadership in religion; gender-based violence and religious responses.

Sexuality and reproduction

Religious teachings on premarital sex, contraception, abortion (Termination of Pregnancy Act regulates abortion in Zimbabwe) and infertility; responses to HIV and AIDS (care, stigma reduction, prevention).

Children's rights

Child marriage, child labour and children's rights under the Constitution; religious responses.

Exam tip: Compare at least two religious traditions on each issue and refer to Zimbabwean law.

Check yourself

  1. What is mahr?
  2. What minimum age for marriage is set by Zimbabwean law?
  3. Give two ways religious groups have responded to HIV and AIDS.
Show answers
  1. The gift paid by the groom to the bride in Islamic marriage.
  2. 18 years.
  3. Any two: care for the sick and orphans, prevention education, reducing stigma, counselling, promoting faithfulness.
Next topicReligion and contemporary ethical issues

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