Women, religion and social change : gender consciousness in ecclesial base communities in Estelí, Nicaragua

Abstract

This thesis addresses the potential for Ecclesial Base Communities (CEBs) to engage in gender consciousness work and contribute towards women's movements for social change. This potential is examined through both a review and critique of relevant literature and primary research in the CEBs of Esteli Nicaragua, including an eight month participatory research project.

The conceptual framework draws upon both a Latin American sociology of religion which calls for a contextually specific examination of the relationship between religion and society and a gender and development approach which analyzes women's roles in production, social reproduction and community managing in the private and public spheres.

The research attempts to contribute towards the elaboration of theory from the standpoint of women. This involves a critique of the two bodies of literature outlined above for failing to provide an integrated framework within which the complex matrix of the everyday lives of women who are CEB members can be understood and, conversely, a contribution to this literature through the participatory research project. Another objective of the research project is to have a direct impact on the conscientization work of the CEBs and the women who participated in the project.

The thesis concludes that the potential within CEBs, as religious organizations, to engage in gender consciousness work and contribute towards women's movement for social change does exist but is dependent upon the broader social and religious context. The increasing pluralism and autonomy within women's movement in recent years facilitated the carrying out of the participatory research process in the CEBs of Esteli. Conflicts within the Roman Catholic Church in Nicaragua posed both opportunities and limitations. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)