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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Women, Pentecostalism, and public life in Nigeria
Author:Olademo, Oyeronke
Year:2009
Periodical:Orita: Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies (ISSN 0030-5596)
Volume:41
Issue:1
Pages:151-163
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:women
Pentecostalism
gender inequality
popular participation
Abstract:The Christian message with a special emphasis on the manifestations of the Holy Spirit is assumed to be the hallmark of Pentecostal women. This belief would translate into a high ethical disposition and a firm commitment to the common good. Such qualities are essential for the sustenance of good governance and the smooth running of structures in society. This paper examines women's status and roles in the Pentecostal church in Nigeria and how these roles have influenced women's position in public life. Following background information on the history of Christianity in Nigeria, the paper shows that women's status in Nigerian Pentecostal churches is paradoxical in that men and women are equal in theory, but in practice women are socialized into rigidly submissive roles in relation to their husbands and other males in the church hierarchy. Next, attention is paid to the role of Pentecostal women in Nigerian public life vis-à-vis social justice and corruption. The fact that Pentecostal women can effect positive changes in the polity should encourage their participation in politics and governance. However, certain constraints may challenge women's participation in public life in Nigeria. Ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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