1.2.7 Gender roles in the family

Question 1

What does roles mean?

Answer 1

The position, status or function a person has in society. This can also refer to the characteristics and social behaviour expected of them.

Question 2

What does responsibilities mean?

Answer 2

The actions or duties a person is expected to carry out.

Question 3

What are 5 main roles and responsibilities within any family?

Answer 3

• Caring for Children.
• Financially supporting the family and managing the family finances.
• Caring for family members such as elderly relatives.
• Ensuring the basic needs of the family are met – a safe home, food, warmth…
• Providing support, love, comfort and protection.

Question 4

What were the christian views of the roles of men and women in the past?

Answer 4

In the past, Christianity had a very traditional view concerning the roles of men and women. This reflected the culture of the time – many societies were Patriarchal (which means lead by men) and this was reflected in the organisation of the family where men were seen as the leaders of the family.

Question 5

How have christian views regarding the roles of men and women changed?

Answer 5

Some Christians still hold traditional views, but others have views that reflect more modern attitudes – that men and women should have equal opportunities to go out to work and that the role of childcare and managing the house does not have to be a female role.

Question 6

How do Christians today who adopt a traditional attitude regarding the roles of men and women in the family support their views? (4)

Answer 6

• In 1 Timothy 2:11-12, Paul’s guidance is that
  “A women should learn quietness and full submission. I do not permit a women to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet”
• Genesis 1 & 2 suggest that men and women are equal, but this does not mean that they are the same; they have different strengths and contributions to make. Women have an important role to play in the family, for example; they are better suited to more caring roles such as the nurture and education of children. A women’s role within the family is unique to them and its special nature is emphasised by the respect that is shown to Jesus’ mother, Mary, as the Mother of God.
• In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul seems to suggest that men should take on the role of leader of the family. Ephesians 5:21-25, 28 suggests women should be submissive to their husbands as he is the head of the family as Christ is the head of the Church. It also reinforces that husbands have the responsibility to care for and love their wives unconditionally.
• Many Catholics believe husbands and wives should respect each other’s different roles within a marriage and value both equally. These roles include those of care within the home, and that of earning money to provide for the family.

Question 7

How do Christians today who adopt a non-traditional/ different attitude regarding the roles of men and women in the family support their views? (2)

Answer 7

• The Bible teaches equality, this is shown in the creation story and other passages such as Galatians 3:28. Genesis 1 & 2 suggests that all humans were created in God’s image and as such men and women have equal value, this means there should be equality in every aspect of life. If God sees no difference nor should we.
• When reading the Bible, it is a mistake to believe that every word is the exact word of God; some passages reflect the views of the Bible writer and therefore have no relevance in the modern world. When Paul wrote in his letters that women should be quiet and submit to their husbands, he was conveying the views of the time and not teachings that should remain unchanged for eternity. During the time of writing, it would have been unheard of for a woman to speak out and try to educate a man.