AbstractsEducation Research & Administration

"Sexist socialising of children in the Sunday schools of the church of the province of Southern Africa : a theological ethical study"

by Caroline Tuckey




Institution: University of South Africa
Department:
Year: 1994
Keywords: Socialisation; Sexism; Christian education; Child development; Feminist theology; Sunday schools; Gender stereotyping; Religious language and symbols; Biblical interpretation; Agents of Socialisation
Record ID: 1473968
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/16230


Abstract

Sexist socialisation in the church starts from childhood. The Sunday school, the Christian community and parents all play a role in transmitting sexist values to children. Sexism is present in the interpretation, use and teaching of scripture as well as the hierarchy, roles, structures, language, worship and symbols of the church. These subconsciously influence children. People's faith may be shaken when the sexist nature of some of these beliefs is exposed. Sexist socialisation is detrimental as the growth and witness of the church may be stunted. Hence there is a need to develop non-sexist Christian education. Insights and tools from feminist theology help in this programme. The conclusions are tentative as such a process is evolutionary, but important.