The Debate about Women in the Hare Krishna Movement

Abstract

Kim Knott's "The Debate about Women in the Hare Krishna Movement" revisits the ongoing concerns about women's roles in ISKCON, integrating early research with more recent feminist critiques and internal developments. Beginning with a depiction of male-dominated temple rituals, Knott highlights the contrast between ISKCON’s theological assertion of spiritual equality—where the soul transcends gender—and the practical inequalities women face within the movement. While leadership roles are theoretically open to women, few have held such positions, reflecting broader patriarchal influences. Knott examines how ISKCON theology balances spiritual equality with social dharma, often reinforcing traditional gender roles. She explores the ideal of a “feminine” devotional attitude modeled after Radha, prescribed for all practitioners. The article underscores the tension between scriptural ideals and lived realities, where spiritual parity struggles against cultural and institutional biases.