Recent years have seen a spike in Christian women embarking on journeys to pursue education and career opportunities, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations. These women have been at the forefront of a social and cultural shift, but what motivates them to defy historical norms and pursue their ambitions?

The innovative research of Rebekah Marsh ‘23, titled “Patriarchal Beliefs’ Influence and Christian Women’s Pursuit of Career Leadership and Education,” highlights the significant cultural shift and explains how social norms are evolving in one of the United States’ largest subgroups.

Marsh recently presented her findings at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). Undergraduate research is considered one of the most significant "high-impact practices" in higher education. According to data from the 2022 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), Samford University is a leader in high-impact education. 

Ninety-nine percent of Samford graduates from the class of 2022 participated in at least one high-impact practice, with 46% involved in undergraduate research. However, Marsh was only one of six Samford students to be invited to the NCUR to present her research.

A graduate of the School of Education’s Department of Human Development and Family Science, Marsh chose to study the role of patriarchal beliefs in Christian women’s pursuit of career opportunities and education because of her passion for equal opportunity and access to historically marginalized groups.

She sought to uncover the correlation between patriarchal beliefs and Christian women's pursuit of education and career opportunities. Her research provides crucial insights into the challenges faced by Christian women and the importance of understanding their mindset within the context of religious values.

In her exploration of the societal, religious, and environmental pressures that influence the belief system of Christian women, Marsh identified a complex web of expectations. These pressures emanate from various sources, including family, friends, church communities, and mentors.

“While not all these expectations are inherently negative, they can exert conflicting influences on Christian women,” said Marsh. “On one hand, they may be encouraged by peers and colleagues to excel in their education and careers, while, on the other, they might also feel an obligation to fulfill nurturing roles within their families. Straddling these expectations often leads to heightened stress, identity confusion, and potential burnout.”

Marsh's methodology focused on three key variables: patriarchal beliefs, career leadership aspirations, and educational aspirations. She used the Attitudes Toward Christian Women Scale, as presented in the Journal of Psychology and Christianity to measure participants' patriarchal beliefs, which encompassed factors such as "Female Physical and Emotional Independence" and "Female Submissiveness and Guilt." Career leadership aspirations and educational aspirations were measured using the Career Aspiration Scale's "Leadership Aspiration" and "Educational Aspiration" subscales, respectively.

One of the most significant findings of Marsh's research was the negative correlation between Christian women's patriarchal beliefs and their career leadership and educational aspirations, confirming her initial hypothesis. This observation underlines the importance of addressing the impact of patriarchal beliefs on women's ambitions and choices.

Specifically, the negative correlation implies that as Christian women hold stronger patriarchal beliefs, their aspirations for leadership positions within their careers and their educational pursuits tend to diminish. This revelation has profound implications for the educational choices of Christian women, as it highlights the internal struggles, guilt, and pressure they may experience as they navigate their paths.

Marsh’s research has broader implications for family scientists, family life educators, family therapists, and policymakers. It offers a deeper understanding of the multifaceted roles that Christian women may occupy and the potential conflicts they face. By recognizing the influence of patriarchal beliefs, these professionals can better support and assist Christian women and their families in making informed decisions and fostering healthier dynamics.

Moreover, Marsh's research suggests various policy implications, such as the need for financial support for Christian women pursuing higher education, enhancing paternity and maternity leave policies to facilitate women's career growth, and considering the role of prenuptial agreements in addressing familial and career-related expectations.

Marsh's research presents a crucial contribution to the ongoing discussions about gender equality and women's rights, especially within the context of religious beliefs and values. Her findings validate the struggles faced by Christian women as they navigate their roles and identities, emphasizing the influential role of patriarchal values in shaping their aspirations. As society continues to explore the intricate intersection of faith, beliefs, and ambitions, Marsh's work serves as a beacon of empowerment for Christian women, encouraging them to ask "why" and to pursue their passions without fear.

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