Several decades ago good religious women of several religions were supposed to walk two steps behind and one step to the right of their husbands. This practice in the United States started to go away after World War I and the independence movements in the 1920s. The demands for labor during World War II got women out of the home and into the work force. Afterwards they were replaced by the returning soldiers. The door was never closed completely and it reopened in the sixties.

            Today women are doctors, lawyers, politicians, and CEOs of major companies. However, some religions have not changed and some are reverting back to the old barefoot and pregnant philosophy. These beliefs seem to be rural, lower income, and centered in Southern states.

            Much of the continuation is generational and dependent upon who is the leader of the church. Universal equality will never happen until all religions allow women the choice to be equal.