Abstract

Although religious beliefs often associate with gendered hierarchy in sociological studies, very few studies have examined religion and gendered hierarchy within intimate relationships. This study used an exemplary sample to explore how religious, heterosexual married couples view and possibly practice gendered hierarchy. Interviews from 77 highly religious, highly satisfied couples provided insight into the following themes: (1) the potential harm of hierarchy, (2) misunderstanding hierarchy, (3) rejection of hierarchy, and (4) acceptance of hierarchy. For couples who expressed acceptance of hierarchy, further exploration revealed subthemes explaining how they conceptualized this practice. Subthemes included (4a) mutual submission, (4b) joint discussion, and (4c) the male burden of responsibility. Data drawn directly from interviews provide detailed support in the paper for each theme and subtheme. While a minority of participants described their marriages as equal partnerships, a majority of the couples in this sample expressed acceptance of some degree of gendered hierarchy in their relationships. Participants expressed devotion to God and belief in sacred roles as partial explanations for their acceptance of gendered hierarchy. For both participants who accepted and those who rejected hierarchy, the importance of love and respect between partners emerged as central to navigating power dynamics in marriage.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

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