[Lauren]

I don't believe in it, personally. But I can understand why countries follow this way of life - it's been the case for thousands of years that women are subordinate to men (including within Christianity, remember, Eve came from Adam's spare rib and was represented as the temptress in the story. Also, Virgin Mary presents a stereotypical stay-at-home innocent representation of women).

Religion can act as a conservative force which as well as initiating social change can bring about change to go back into the traditional past. An example of this in Iran was in the mid 70's when a revolution was occurring in Iran and they were getting more technology and women more equal rights. This didn't follow with Shariah law and so Ayatollah Khomenei took the country back to tradition - removing females rights and instilling firm (and sometimes extremist) laws.

This also happens in many other states and religions. For example, in some middle eastern countries they practice female circumcision to remove a clitoris so that females can't experience pleasure. In Orthodox Judaism the female isn't allowed to carry or touch the Torah... so many examples.