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The Church of Women

The Church of Women Gendered Encounters Between Maasai and Missionaries

Paperback (15 Aug 2005)

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Publisher's Synopsis

In Africa, why have so many more women converted to Christianity than men? What explains the appeal of Christianity to women? What does religious conversion mean for the negotiation of gender and ethnic identity? What role does religious conversion play as a tool for empowering women? In The Church of Women, Dorothy L. Hodgson looks at how gender has shaped the encounter between missionary priests and Maasai men and women in Tanzania. Building on her extensive experience with Maasai and the Spiritan missionaries, Hodgson explores how gendered change among Maasai has shaped women's notions of religious faith, religious practice, and spiritual power. Hodgson explores the appeal of Catholicism among women in East Africa, the enmeshing of Catholic practice with Maasai spirituality, and the meaning of conversion to new Christians. This rich, engaging, and original book challenges notions about religious encounter and the role of ethnic identity, female authority, and power among Maasai.

About the Publisher

Indiana University Press

Book information

ISBN: 9780253217622
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Imprint: Indiana University Press
Pub date:
DEWEY: 266.2678082
DEWEY edition: 22
Language: English
Number of pages: 256
Weight: 508g
Height: 233mm
Width: 154mm
Spine width: 22mm