BIO

I am a freshman in the Presidential Scholars program. My research interests include sociology and history.

Evolving Christian Womanhood and Social Change in Mt. Meru, Tanzania

Abstract

Our study focuses on the role of the church as a source of community and empowerment for women in Mt. Meru, Tanzania amidst patriarchal societal norms. We seek to look at the evolution of husband-wife relations over previous decades and the importance of involvement in the church as an outlet for women. Our research utilizes qualitative methods through the analysis of interviews conducted in Mt. Meru by Dr. Beth Ann Williams in 2016 and 2017. I integrate external research to provide insight on colonial involvement and analyze the impact of European economic, gendered, and religious influence on Mt. Meru.

Colonial influence degraded traditional religious and economic systems within Tanzania, cultivating a unique cultural climate that the interview subjects provide intersectional insight on. Women’s poor employment leads to confinement in the home and increased dependence on men, making socialization in church and personal relationships with God crucial to female social and emotional freedom. The church provides loans and educational seminars for women, alleviating some imbalance as women navigate general male dominance in social and financial sectors. However, most women described their struggle to balance more responsibilities outside of the home with enduring family duties. This births a conflict between advances of women provided through the church alongside persisting patriarchal social norms. Our research thus explores the prevalence of the church in the community as a place of support and social impact.

Keywords: sociology, religion, history, gender