Women, Faith, and Social Cohesion

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Author(s): John Anthony Lawler (University of Bradford, UK)and Ghazala Mir (University of Leeds, UK)
Copyright: 2016
Pages: 24
Source title: Gender and Diversity Issues in Religious-Based Institutions and Organizations
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Blanche Jackson Glimps (Tennessee State University, USA)and Theron Ford (John Carroll University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-8772-1.ch009

Keywords: Gender & Diversity / Gender and Diversity / Information Science Reference / Medicine & Healthcare

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Abstract

This chapter presents findings from a research study examining the relationship between faith communities, social cohesion activity and the leadership role of women. The study examined women's exercise of leadership or influence in small intercultural, interfaith projects, which they had developed to improve social cohesion in their local communities. Data were gathered using qualitative interviews and participatory research methods, predominantly with women from a range of religious backgrounds. Findings indicated that women involved in interfaith activity often occupied roles with relatively little power within their communities. Despite this they were at times able to affect considerable influence within their own contexts. Contrary to expectations from existing evidence, changes resulting from the interfaith activities under consideration occurred despite rather than because of formal leadership. The concept and practice of leadership in interfaith activity and how this might relate to different conceptualizations of social cohesion and leadership within faith communities are discussed.

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Women, Faith, and Social Cohesion

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