Factors that hinder women's participation in theological education in Kenya
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Date
2004
Authors
James, Ruth Muthei
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study identifies and discusses factors that hinder women's participation in
theological education in Kenya. Reference is made to theological institutions that
belong to two church traditions, namely, the main line protestant and evangelical
traditions. The study seeks to address the paradox of under representation of
women in institutions that have openings for them.
The objectives of the study are; To analyze the status of women in the history of
Christianity since its inception, to identify and assess the modalities applied in
admitting women into theological institutions in Kenya, to identify and discuss
factors that influence women's experiences in theological institutions in Kenya,
and, to identify and evaluate strategies that could enhance the participation of
women in theological education in Kenya.
To achieve the above objectives, ten theological institutions have been selected on
the basis of their church affiliations as well as the academic programs they offer.
The study concentrates on institutions that offer diploma, bachelors and masters
programs. The significance of these programmes is that the institutions that offer
them are interdenominational and the fact that churches in the study only ordain
persons that are trained at diploma level and above.
The mam argument of this study is that women are under represented in
theological education in Kenya. This has been authenticated by the examination
of the actual numbers of women students and faculty in theological institutions.
Their numbers are much lower than those of men, a factor that has been attributed
to the attitude of churches toward theological education for women and the type
of ministries open to women in the churches.
The entire study portrays women in a struggle to venture into theological
education. The struggle begins with their access to theological institutions. Once
enrolled, they struggle through college life with administrative and social
structures that are unfavourable to them. After graduating from college, women
struggle with job placement as well as acceptance by those they are to serve.
The study identifies three main factors that hinder women's access to and their
experiences in theological institutions. They are; The structures of theological
institutions, policies of churches that sponsor theological institutions, and, African
culture. It has been confirmed in this study that churches have a direct and
powerful influence in the enrolment of students, appointment of teaching staff, as
well as the formulation of the curricula taught. Consequently, a church's view of
the status and role of women in its ministry influences their enrolment in
theological institutions.
This study employs the concepts of the 'lenses of gender' theory by Sandra Bem
(1993). The lenses are; androcentrism, gender polarization and biological
essentialism: The analysis establishes that the characteristics exhibited by the
three lenses interact to reproduce male power in human institutions. In such
setups, females and males are channeled into different and unequal life situations
with the females being relegated to the subordinate sphere and the males to the
super ordinate sphere.
Finally, the study offers suggestions 111 form of strategies that could enhance
women's participation 111 theological education. They are; Advocacy,
transformation of the structures of theological institutions and churches, and, the
revision of the curricula of theological institutions. Networking among women
and between women and men in theological studies and in the church has also
been advanced as a strategy.
Description
Thesis submitted to the school of humanities and social sciences in fulfilment for the
requirements of the degree of doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) of Kenyatta University, BV 4140.K4J3