Voices: When religion and sexism collide, women’s health suffers

Although I never set out early in my career to research or write about sexism, the work found me. As I spent years studying how to develop girls and women into leaders, it became impossible to ignore how persistently sexism undermines that process — both from the outside and within.

What most people don’t know is that sexist homes, workplaces and communities also affect the physical health of girls and women. And as new research shows, these patterns don’t stop at home or work — they extend into religious congregations, where gender hierarchy can directly shape women’s health.

Understanding sexism begins with clear definitions. At its core, sexism refers to beliefs and behaviors that treat someone differently because of their sex — usually rooted in long‑standing ideas about how women and men “should” act. It shows up in everyday interactions, workplace expectations and institutional norms. Sometimes it’s obvious and openly expressed. Other times it’s hidden, surfacing only when people feel unobserved. And often it’s subtle, woven into routine decisions that seem small on their own but collectively reinforce inequality.

Beyond individual attitudes lies structural sexism — the rules, practices and systems that consistently give men more power and resources than women. Structural sexism isn’t about one person’s bias; it’s about environments where inequality becomes the default. And what many people don’t realize is that these structures have measurable consequences across nearly every part of women’s lives — economic, social, psychological and even physical health.

One groundbreaking study on the effects of structural sexism on the health outcomes of a society found that it shows up at three levels, and each affects health in different ways.

At the macro level, where political, economic and cultural systems favor men, U.S. states with higher sexism scores (including Utah and Wyoming) saw worse physical functioning, poorer self‑rated health and more chronic conditions among its residents. These harms were strongest for women but also appeared in men, especially married men.

At the meso level, which reflects unequal power in everyday interactions at work and at home, women again experienced worse health across all measures. Men, however, tended to report better health in these environments.

At the micro level, where sexism becomes internalized, women — particularly unmarried women — reported more chronic health conditions. Men’s health was unaffected. The researchers concluded that across all levels, structural sexism erodes well‑being and weakens organizations and families.

Earlier studies have documented these health-related effects in institutions and even within marriages. Now, new research turns to another influential setting: religious institutions. I recently read an enlightening scholarly article titled “When Religion Hurts: Structural Sexism and Health in Religious Congregations,” and its findings add an important layer to the conversation.

The authors note that while religious participation is often associated with better health, many congregations simultaneously reinforce strict gender hierarchies. This study — linking two major national surveys — helps explain that contradiction. Women who attend highly sexist religious institutions report significantly worse health than women in more inclusive congregations. In fact, only women in gender‑inclusive religious settings experience the health benefits typically associated with religious involvement. Women in sexist institutions do not — and their health is measurably worse than that of non‑participants.

For men, the effects are minimal to nonexistent.

So, what does an inclusive congregation actually look like? According to the research, it’s a congregation where women hold real power and meaningful leadership roles. The authors found that women only experience the health benefits typically associated with religious participation when they belong to gender‑inclusive congregations — places where women can lead, make decisions and participate fully in the governance of the institution. Congregations that restrict women’s authority do not meet this standard.

But inclusion is more than a title or a sentiment. Multiple studies show that “inclusive” does not mean offering warm statements about valuing women while upholding teachings that reinforce benevolent sexism — the protective, paternalistic attitudes that sound positive but keep women in subordinate roles. True inclusion requires shared authority, not symbolic gestures.

Discouraging as this may seem, there is hope. Some congregations around the world are getting this right, and some women are genuinely thriving in their faith communities. After speaking with thousands of women across the state, I know these places exist here — just not nearly enough of them.

Sexism — whether expressed in daily interactions, embedded in institutions, or internalized over time — is not a small problem. It shapes women’s opportunities, confidence, leadership pathways and, as research shows, their physical health. Structural sexism runs through homes, workplaces, communities and religious spaces, influencing well‑being in ways many people never see but women feel every day.

Awareness is the first step toward change. When congregations, organizations and communities examine their norms and practices, they create space for healthier, more equitable environments.

Some faith communities already model this — places where women’s leadership is real, respected and reflected in better outcomes.

If we want girls and women to flourish we must take sexism seriously. Deepening understanding and rethinking policies and practices will move us closer to environments where everyone can grow, contribute and lead.

Susan R. Madsen, Ed.D., is the Extension Professor of Leadership & Director, Utah Women & Leadership Project, Utah State University. She is also a women and leadership global thought leader, author, and speaker.

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