oster an inclusive understanding of Evangelical ideology while expanding on gender roles and gender equality through ideological awareness and community engagement that addresses oppression within the community.

analyzing the research through multivariate analysis and gain additional insight through individual interviews

how leaders engage in directive or participative perceptions on gender roles and gender equality

church leadership and communities to provide conductive space for gender roles and gender equality

based on the ability by Evangelicals to take part in a small community outside of the church that is empowering, explores their multiple identities and investigates feminist informed biblical ideologies that may be in conflict with leadership and church patriarchal structure.

based on association with a liberal or conservative churc

Evangelical. An individual’s understanding of men’s’ and women’s’ social roles is informed by expectations that are biblically informed, dictated by personal experiences, interests, and social ideologies.

. Evangelicals noted the positions of church leaders on gender equality are not clear. Evangelicals also feel concerned and intimidated to talk to church leaders on gender topics out of fear of alienating themselves from the church

A crucial and absent component from the study is input from evangelical leaders.

Evangelicals recognize the church operates within a patriarchal hierarchy that oppressed women.

Conversations outside of the church and home are challenging and at times in conflict with the complementarian perspective described within evangelical ideologies.

Evangelicals’ gender role perceptions are primarily informed by the ideologies within the church

intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration

women from the liberal church demonstrated their ability to provide new perspectives from outside the organization

perception are built off of a legitimate authority by church leadership to influence group or organizational behavior.

feminist liberation theology allows for individual possibilities of spiritual discovery, exploration and change, but faces organizational and structural barriers within the church’s organizational structure

Change at a structural level needs further exploration: participants see challenges implementing a feminist liberation theology within their church beyond their individual groups

he women used a feminist-informed anthropological understanding of the Bibl

The personal and spiritual development of the group used feminist-informed biblical studies to define their roles outside the headship of the church

ne side sees gender-defined roles as necessary to family and moral balance while the other charged the church with utilizing institutionalized sexism and ignoring gender inequalities identified by its members

Select females, specifically from the liberal church, noted the church organization ignores feminist informed perspectives, supports social inequalities and plays into internalized sexism

necessary for biblically informed moral balance

Men and women who share a complementary view of gender roles stressed that this is their choice

topical discussions outside the church that lead to a richer understanding of contemporary roles, and a desire to fight inequality experienced inside and outside of the churc

he conservative church members’ supported a headship ideology supported by both men and women. Both genders believe the church and home find strength with men a leadership role and women in a supportive, complementary position reflecting traditional values. Gender roles/equality views are formed through by biblical studies directed by church leadership

self-identified as conservative or liberal churchgoers

Genders responded similarly when it came to maintaining a headship model, and embraced the concept that gender specific roles are necessary for the wellbeing of their home and children

church members reiterated complementarian ideals taught by their church leadership while members of liberal churches adopted more egalitarian gender viewpoints reading feminist Christian teachings outside of the church, and through secular experiences.

Findings showed evangelical men and women hold similar perspectives of gender roles\equality in their respective roles within a complementarian ideology

eek feminist biblical understanding outside of the traditional church within small groups and feminist-informed Christian literature.

as long as it did not negatively affect headship authority or traditional home life

complementary

Evangelical ideologies view the differences between men and women as being divinely instituted

A key finding here is that evangelicals’ definition of gender roles and gender equality is not aligned with the evangelical epistemology of gender

Concerns were raised over any political or social movements that place emphasis on gender equality over experience of capability.

Evangelical men and women also recognized the benefit the feminist movement has had on women in the workplace, ensuring they are fairly recognized and compensat

Regarding the workplace, Evangelicals believe employment should be gender neutral and based on merit and capability

Evangelical focus group members follow this philosophic guidance as a way to live their “personal commitment”

perceived bias by evangelicals.

Panelists said existing gender role/equality data on evangelicals (Ali et al., 2008; Belcher, 2007; Elisan, 2016; Lundquist and Smith, 1998) does not appropriately represent how evangelicals define themselves or their views of gender roles/equality

evangelicals believed, at higher rates than non-evangelicals, in traditional gender roles of men working and women as homemakers

clear members are defining this outside the traditional church structure

aken personal faith journeys to define gender roles/equality, action met with resistance within the formal church organization

also perceived as challenging to the faith

inculcated in church leadership teaching and organizational structures

fulfill are dictated by gender and perceived as complementary to the support of their families, the church organization, society at large and themselves

biblically inspired ideologies whose practices are meant to better members and their respective families

The additional perspective led to independent interpretation of gender roles/equality outside traditional church doctrine.

primarily women, explored the topic of gender roles/equality independent of church teachings.

Members of the liberal church, too, affirmed this ideology is central to their own church leadership and organizational mode

delivered by church leadership and affirmed by small groups associated with the church. This ideology aligns with a male headship mode

not discussed in terms of equality, but in terms of the different and complementary roles of the sexes

Conservative church members perceived gender from the complementarian perspective

their definition of that faith is distinctly personal, as are the ways panelists practice their faith.

discussed only in complementary term within the faith.

gender roles/equality were impacted more by one’s faith, whether liberal or conservative, that one’s gender.

evangelicals generally perceive gender roles as a religious construct

external validity

These challenges are not experienced by males, nor do they witness these challenges by wives or friends

In dialogs women explained they have challenges with complementarian ideologies outside of the church conflicting with expectations of the church and home

147 Lastly the view of gender roles/equality by either sex within the Evangelical community demonstrated in the quantitative study shows evangelical males have perceptions different from females.

Findings from the 2016 General Social Survey determined the evangelicals believe in a complementarian ideology of gender roles

Female participants stressed it is the choice of a woman to stay at home based on “their priority in life.” This was not considered an evangelical value, but a traditional value that happens to align with “Evangelical beliefs

144 Female roles.Female gender roles were discussed at a higher rate than male roles (9.32% compared to 3.86%)

Liberal women are enlightened on gender equality through literature, speakers, and small support groups. Some participants acknowledged that these gender equality values often are in conflict with the message taught within the church, b

Conservatives believe a person’s abilities in school and work are the primary factors to be considered if an individual is “deserving a job

Conservative participants (18) believe egalitarian perspectives should not be “supported by mandated government programs or laws” and “society should not have a quota regarding gender that is making up for past mistakes”:

Egalitarian ideologies expressed in the focus groups are form by a biblical understanding that all are people are viewed as “equal in the eyes of Jesus”

Conservative church participants’ (18) gender equality beliefs remain informed by a complementarian perspective that existed within the church and literature.

These members seek equality for both males and females and explore this understanding through literature and conversation outside of the church

participants believed the church reinforced “bias cultural norms” but felt “uncomfortable” having a theological debate with the pastor.

This ideology views men and women in different but complementary roles that define responsibilities by gender

However, there are three participants that did support the belief the Bible is “the word of God” and informed by the “actual breath of God” that inspired men to write it:

Fifteen participants did not believe that the Bible should be literally interpreted but rather treated as an inspired word of God mixed with historical stories, allegories and parables:

the men in leadership are cherry picking Bible verses that are informed by cultural norms

Critiques of complementarianism stated that these “conservative” ideologies are primarily dictated by church leadership as a result of “cherry picking” verses to put men in power and support “institutionalized sexism in the present church:

Female participants in each of the focus groups questioned the value of women in leadership roles outside house, including in the church. Notably female participants within the conservative focus group stated that women should “not be given pastoral responsibilities” and felt “uncomfortable” with women giving a sermon

n dialog, evangelicals expressed the complementarian view that traditional gender roles are not forced upon females. Additionally, some participants alluded that God created males and females differently, with females created in a “nurturing role” and men as “heads of household”

Based on these ideologies evangelicals commonly consider it “inappropriate” to compare the two sexes. Supporters of this theological ideology clarified that the decision for females to stay at home and raise the children is “biblically informed” and a “personal commitment” to raise children in a “proper environment.”

The sample for this study includes the GSS 2016 sample (2,867), and the subsample of an evangelical community (348).

“Pro Equality” and “Anti Equality” to “High Perception” and “Low Perception.”

men responded at lower rates (64.1%) in questions supporting gender equality when compared to women (69.2%)

men responded negatively by a higher percentage to questions that challenged gender equality (31.5%) compared to the same answers by women (29.7%)

evangelicals responded positively at higher rates (32.4%) to questions supporting gender equality when compared to non-evangelicals (30.3%).

vangelicals have a lower perception of equality demonstrated by a higher percentage of responses that challenged equality (31.4%) when compared to the same responses by non-evangelicals (20.5%).

Perceptions and practices of headship vary based on interpretation and practice by evangelical members, as discussed within complementarian and egalitarian ideologies.

lack of self-realization

his updated ideology is affirmed by a strongly complementation belief by the evangelical community that husband and wives are given “God-given identities”

The framing of gendered roles and expectations demonstrates the evangelical community’s belief that equality is experienced through personal responsibilities

led by the evangelical non-profit organization the Promise Keepers in the 1990s. This movement Biblically redefines masculinity through literature, large events, and messages presented in many evangelical churches

he new male leader is expected to be socially engaged with his family in child rearing and emotional support in addition to embracing ideologies supportive of multiculturalism and vigilant protection.

“soft-patriarchy”

masculine role within the faith not only dictates the role of the male but also the style of leadership within the Evangelical Churc

e control and precedent set for women within the church remains direct by the authority and leadership of male evangelicals

female parishioners are more likely to endorse traditional gender role and avoid associating themselves with feminism, despite expressing support for equal pay

Divergences from beliefs or actions that are gender-ideologically defined are labeled “inappropriate” and “deviant behavior”

Biblically informed core values with opportunities for women to serve and grow outside of traditional gendered norms

The strongest support within the faith for women has been through organizational efforts with likeminded women. A large scale example of this is Women’s Aglow

influenced by gender dynamics that have been found to place bias towards men and married women over single women

gendered limitations

Evangelical women affirm they are striving for professional careers while also fulfilling gender specific responsibilities of family and motherhood

The importance of gendered roles shows that women within the evangelical faith are more likely to align their life aspirations and roles with those gendered expectations

Research has identified that women within the evangelical faith have increased work/family conflict as aspirations and participation in the workforce have risen

challenge that evangelical women face is reconciliation of personal aspirations with perceived feminine roles dictated by the church

benefit women in the form of privileged femininity

Women within this environment are found to pursue career aspirations that are stereotypically feminine

Women have also actively sought out opportunities within the church that support the headship model and the church community as demonstrated by a rise in women studying to be religious leaders within their communities

he faith calls for the father to take a lead in this model

Headship also informs the expectations of children, with evangelical parents valuing obedience in their children

The gender roles of the father are demonstrated through “leadership,”

The satisfaction for evangelicals within marriage and family show a stronger association with gender roles than gender ideolog

Many of the dating expectations found within evangelical communities are informed by gendered roles that support the expectations of marriage and abstinence from sin

eek out communities of like-minded social networks that affirm evangelical-based social norms in dating situations

sexual intercourse is not permitted prior to marriage, a norm that placed responsibility predominantly on women

young evangelicals found that perceptions of an idealized dating experience is more informed by their understanding of gender relations established by the evangelical church

there are norms and institutional practices within the church that have made the experience of women more challenging than those of men

the value placed on gender dictates religious responsibilities

iberal Biblical interpretation and counter to the family focused message of the church

egalitarian ideology saw themselves equal to men and were more likely to pursue equitable careers of male counter parts

With an ideology articulated by the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, this community reinforced its belief through Biblical verses including Gelation’s 3:28 (King James Version), “There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.

Churches within this ideology have supported women’s rights to exercise pastoral leadership within foreign missionary work, even though similar rights may not be permitted at their home church

. Literal interpretation of biblical passages supports gendered marital role

Ephesians 5:22-23 (New International Version

findings show a variance of practice from those who live based on ideals of headship while others perceive these ideologies as symbolic.

headship does not contradict gender equality, emphasizing the weight of responsibility placed on the husban

Evangelicals believe that headship is Biblically aligned and God-directed.

Familialism encompasses the expectations and preference for a traditionally defined family model; one where the male role is associated with the breadwinner and the female is associated with domestic home life

vangelical men and women perceive these ideologies as non-oppressiv

importance of female submissio

A Pew-funded Religious Identity and Influence Survey in 1996 identified that 85% of evangelicals believe that “the husband should be the head of the household” compared to 48% of the general public

the belief that males are granted final authority related to any decisions made, gender defined divisions of household and parenting tasks, and the responsibility of sole breadwinner to a family

A key ideology that evangelicals have adopted to exemplify their principles of “tradition” and “morality” is displayed in a “traditional family model

hose within the faith often believe themselves embattled for representing a majority view while also being persecuted by the world as an “embattled minority”

places the church in defensive conflict with modern education

evangelicals believe it is their responsibility to model justice in social relationships

members’ assertion that their faith is the only belief with spiritual or religious merit

re based on conversion to the faith, reliance on Biblical authority, active engagement in spreading the faith, and focusing on the redeeming characteristics of Chris

men are considered to act in the capacity of the dominant sex and the primary breadwinner with patriarchal authority and women are in a subservient role within home and societ

t is believed that biblical truths support gender equality and marriage is a commitment of mutual submission to God’s will

calls for men to take leadership roles in church and family while women supplement their service through submissive “helper” roles, and are prevented from church leadership and teaching men

It is believed God instituted complementary gender specific roles for men and women, a perspective that affirms the headship ideology.

Transformational leaders use one or more of four key components: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration

“...transcend their own immediate self-interest for the greater good of the group, organization and society”

Transformational leaders utilize a style that engages others to achieve an agreed-upon vision.

heological leadership and organizational structure of a faith group heavily contributes to its understanding of faith ideologies and its interpretation of gender

he use of a father figure creating a “...Father-ruled society:

use of male images within faith to influence patriarchy in society

consider the effects of the societal patriarchal model and examines the way in which Christianity has used imagery to control and oppress women

historical reality of sexism in human society

a system of empowerment that engaged the poor within leadership roles in the church to collectively improve communities and institute a more just society.

hrough the use of religious symbols and rationalization that resulted in the poor internalizing their positionality

reflection of ideologies, biblical interpretation and organizational structures

iberation theology acts as a systematic reflection of the Christian faith from the experience and perspective of the poor. This is done through reading the Bible and key Christian doctrines in an inclusive manner that is considered the “...essential message inherent in Christian teaching,

The exclusive approach is one that incorporates the belief that the Judeo-Christian faith was established by men for men. The principles and structure it exists by denies the ability to integrate the concept of self for women and should be abandoned. The inclusive approach acknowledges the inappropriately applied patriarchal mode of Christianity but believes at its core Christianity is based on human liberation and the system needs a paradigm shift.

pproach for critically analyzing the Christian faith focuses on patriarchy

In this context sexuality is presented as the primary form of power favoring men over women.

Patriarchy

Feminist theory acknowledges that while women and men may choose to identify with gender roles socially assigned, but if they have no free option to choose outside of these roles, they are in an unacceptable position

the repeated actions we all participate in are performances done to maintain compliance and satisfy local expectations that ultimately constitute our gendered identities.

). This collaboration by individuals may be unwitting; regardless, they are contributing to gender polarization through actions that reinforce existing cultural discourse and practices based on society’s manufactured gender identities

gender roles and the various attributes and characteristics assigned to gender are socially constricted

brought forth ideology, intellectual change and political action that have improved the lives of women, men, children and diverse populations of students all over the world.

heory seeks to understand and analyze gender inequality and explores the ways in which gender has determined, for men and women, social roles and expectations, as well as dictated experiences, interests and social ideologies

this researcher is a male exploring perceptions of gender equality:

conflict based on organizational design, opposition by male colleagues, and internal angst over the balance of religious aspiration vs. familial duties

The faith community maintains its headship ideology, but the practice within the home and lives beyond the church has begun to challenge the faith and its support of gender equality.

ideology places the man in the authoritative role

gap in literature related to gender roles and equality within the faith, and how these perceptions may differ by gender and the influence a church’s organizational structure