Final answer:
Women were included in Buddhism with the potential for greater participation and spiritual status; however, the monastic system remained patriarchal. This contrasted with the more restrictive Brahmanist beliefs but still allowed for a stratified society.
Step-by-step explanation:
With regards to the Buddha's inclusion of women, the teachings and structure of Buddhism provided women with a promise of elevated status and greater spiritual participation compared to the Brahmanist system. Women were allowed to become nuns and practice Buddhism, which attracted many due to the promise of enlightenment and independence offered by the religion. However, despite this inclusion, the Buddhist monastic system was still patriarchal in nature, with women often being given fewer privileges and lower positions within their segregated monastic spheres.
Female Buddhists found an appeal in Buddhism's challenge to the caste system and the chance for equality in the path to enlightenment. The religion's structure gave them a role in public life, including charities and leadership roles. Yet, the underlying social system still enforced a hierarchy and the corporate possession and operation of monasteries by the clergy had substantial economic and societal influence, maintaining a stratified society.