Dual-earner families and conservative churches: Accommodation and conflict
Abstract
The aim of this research is to (1) explore to what extent the traditional family teachings of conservative congregations create conflict with their dual-earner member families, and (2) how do churches and families resolve conflict over the acceptance or enactment of religious family norms. Using a neo-functional theoretical perspective, it is hypothesized that non-conformity to traditional family teachings does create conflict between conservative congregations and their member dual-earner families. It is further hypothesized that conservative congregations will reconcile some of the conflict by accepting some limited innovations to the dual-earner model while still maintaining their traditional family norms. Dual-earner families will resolve the conflict by either limiting their deviations from the traditional model, rationalizing that their innovations are necessary or temporary, attempting to change church teachings, or by reducing their commitment to the church. The research hypotheses are tested using interview and survey data from a conservative Protestant church in Indiana. The findings reveal that although many church members disagree with the church's sex-role norms, the church and family relationship is characterized by relative harmony. Church leaders proclaim that the traditional family model is the ideal but ultimately concede the final decision to the family. Church members respond by accepting the status quo. Those who share the church's traditional sex-role norms also limit the extent of their deviations from the traditional family model. The results of this analysis demonstrate the usefulness of neo-functional theory in analyzing the relationship between religion and family and gives insight into how churches and families negotiate a continuing relationship despite conflict over family lifestyles.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Davidson, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Sociology|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Social research|Religion
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