1 Corinthians 11:5

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven (KJV)

Then: The verse follows, parallels and contrasts with the directions to men. Paul states that women need their heads covered in order to honor Christ. That action also signifies recognition of both their identity and their creation as being different from that of men (Baker, p. 160). On the other hand, like men, as women pray and prophesy aloud, Paul still requires a seemly, calm order which brings honor to the Lord. Perhaps another unstated reason was to avoid offending non-believers; however, some archaeological studies show that it was not common practice in Paul's time for women to have heads covered in public. If true, Paul's direction to men who commonly covered their heads in pagan worship or Paul's direction to women who normally did not cover their heads would make a significant statement of "This is different" to non-believers.

Now: The verse is usually interpreted to mean that women can only pray silently when men are present. They are allowed to pray aloud or prophesy when men are not present. The head covering requirement enforces the existence of an authoritarian domination and one-way submission. In traditional venues, church members assume that the Lord's message (prophesy means more than foretelling events) can be clarified by women to women, but not women to men. A strict reading of this verse states that women should never pray or prophesy with uncovered heads. Actually, the corrollary prohibitions that women should not ever speak in church or teach men come from other verses. The implications cause women to feel that they have diminished value in the kingdom of God. The feelings parallel the hopelessness present in rigid caste societies.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.