Religious beliefs also appear to have an impact on the degree of parental authority that is deemed fitting for women. Among women on this issue, the same pattern of a correspondence of views between secular and activist women seems to emerge. Both these groups have slightly more liberal attitudes with regard to women's roles and prerogatives than observant women. While disparities in religious attitudes among men also translate into conflicting notions concerning appropriate roles for women, first and foremost, these differing religious attitudes impact on notions as to how women should dress. In this case the pattern is equally clear for both men and women.
Opinions are also clear with regard to head scarfs for women and the trend is the same.
However, in the more detailed replies that were possible in relation to the survey question on head scarfs, another factor emerges. Among women, it appears to be the activists who are most fearful. This trend is present in all three regions. The previous chapter on education indicates that a sense of influence within Palestinian society is critically affected by age, gender and household position. A crucial issue concerning religious attitudes is whether or not strong religious conviction also enhances the individual's sense of influence.