CBE International :: 14th June 2010 :: Cheryl Catford – Riding the 3rd wave: Biblical Equality in the 21st Century.

Introduction

1^st wave feminists in Oz wanted a voice in society. Emphasis on the differences between men and women and the positive contribution that women could bring (eg., alcohol etc). Theologically, the first wave was concerned to bring access to women in public ministry.

2^nd wave in the 60′s was a more academic movement – women to gain access to all areas on public function (eg., the pill, equal pay, equal work, positions of power in politics etc). Emphasis on similarities between men and women (boys got dolls, and girls got trucks!). Within the church, the ordination of women came to the fore. Theological arguments ranged from feminist theology (hermeneutic of suspicion) to biblical basis such as CBE.

3^rd wave today. This is characterised by change at a dizzying rate. Primarily in Gen X and Gen Y. Deconstruction and postmodernity. Women enjoying the changes of 2^nd wave feminism. Ideals of feminism are now non-political. Interested in personal empowerment. Women from ‘Sex and the city’ are 3^rd wave icons. They like Paris Hilton and watch ‘America’s top model’.

Some quick characteristics (ME: there were ten, but I seem to have merged a couple together somewhere):

1. Individualism reigns. No defined path or role. Each woman is to determine her own path, resisting value judgments. Eg., women who left their job to come home and be a mother. Don’t like to be labelled a feminist.
2. Believe you can’t have it all – at once. But you get to choose what you want at any given time. Marie Claire did a survey of 5000 women – 64% of women said they want it all in life, but believe they can’t have it all at once. This group reverted to what they called ‘conversative values’ Even Julia Gillard herself questioned whether a mother could be Prime Minister.
3. Relationships are important. Not only focused on career. Men are not the enemy. Don’t feel like they have to rebel and choose homosexuality, but freedom to choose sexual preferences. 75% of women believed that having a happy family and relationship determined happiness in life (Marie Claire). 82% of women would opt for love over a career (Marie Claire).
4. 3^rd wavers hold themselves to very high standards. Major stresses: am I making the right choice?, role models are too perfect (Kate Blanchet was the most popular role model in Marie Claire survey), raising children, unrealistic expectations of marriage.
5. Women seek to be free in the workplace. Not prepared to be ‘male’ at work. They are allowed to express themselves in this. But the ideal and the actual don’t always match. But scared of being perceived as a feminist. She wants to ‘play the game’ even though it sounds like a complete sell-out
6. Believe that they can be the top of the field – if they choose to be. But, in reality women don’t hold the top jobs in Oz. (4 in the top 100 of ASX companies – CEO’s and CFO’s). (CC finds it wrong that women don’t fill those places)
7. You can express your sexuality anyway you choose. Whereas women used to burn their bras, now young girls are dressing like playboy bunnies. Sex and the city are their icons. Also, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus.
8. The world is their area – global village. Condemn the 2^nd wave of feminism of not being interested in non-white, non-western women around the world.
9. Consumerism and pop-culture as the source of identity. Increasingly through online social networks. ‘Finding youself’ is the catch-cry – eg., overseas travel, collective experience, music, role models. 3^rd wave luxury afforded by the wealthy, not non-western world.

What sort of things to be aware of when working with young Christian women:

1. Intense individualisation – call they need to heed. Expect to fulfil this/help them achieve it.
2. Many Christian women are seeking the same as their secular sisters – marriage. Unreal expectations; can lead to a compromise on their Christian standards. (Love above all else)
3. Acknowledge and embrace differences between men and women.
4. Strong cognitive dissonance on homosexuality – find it hard to accept that it isn’t part of God’s plan, or approved of by God.
5. Simpler lifestyle – community and respect for the environment. But also consumeristic and materialistic.
6. Concern for social justice.
7. Sexualisation of women. Modesty on dressing. (difficult to challenge about dress standards)

How should we respond?

• The church has responded in two ways (Pentecostals & Mark Driscoll). Pentes say: find you own individual calling and seek to fulfil your destiny. Identity linked to cultural norms of beauty, princesses or God-chicks. Mark Driscoll’s theology taps into gender differences – the desire for a simple life in family and relationships., taps into disquiet that men feel off the back of the 2^nd wave of feminism.
• Leadership within the church still belongs to those who belong to the generation during the 2^nd wave of feminism. Yet, Christianity is rapidly declining in Australia and the under-30′s hardly darken the doors of church. Need to engage seriously with this generation.
• Need to engage with the serious issue of Biblical illiteracy. Astonishing rates of biblical illiteracy are stifling progress.
• Women must find their own identity in Jesus Christ, not pop culture.
• Empowerment is necessary, but comes from the Holy Spirit.
• Teamwork is on the basis of mutual submission and sober judgment of ourselves.