Gender equality theology and essentialism: Catholic responses to gender-based violence and inequality in Papua New Guinea

Anna-Karina Hermkens*, Roselyne Kenneth, Kylie McKenna

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
83 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This paper addresses how Christianity, and in particular Catholicism, is deployed in response to gender-based violence (GBV) in Papua New Guinea. It provides insights into the various ways the Catholic community, Church, and its clergy respond to and manage GBV. Focusing on a case study in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, the article reveals how Gender Equality Theology is used and received to address GBV in this region. What transpires is that despite supporting social change, Gender Equality Theology also advocates a particular status quo by essentialising gender relations, and thereby excluding non-binary gender identifications and relations. The article will discuss this paradox, highlighting the importance of vernacularisation and how despite its conservatism, Gender Equality Theology provides victims, survivors, counselors, and activists with resources to respond to GBV and change gender inequality in the region.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)310-328
Number of pages19
JournalOceania
Volume92
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2022

Bibliographical note

Copyright the Author(s) 2022. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • Autonomous Region of Bougainville
  • Catholicism
  • Christianity
  • gender equality
  • gender-based violence
  • Papua New Guinea

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