A Domestic Violence Paradox Tremblay Summary

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An article, “A Domestic Violence Paradox: Catholic Teachings as Source and Solution” by Gabrielle Tremblay, devolves into the sociological ideologies of violence against women influenced by Catholic teachings. Tremblay (2024) proclaimed “This study will first analyze the specific patriarchal norms that contribute to domestic violence, then identify the biblical and Catholic theological texts that encourage these norms, thereby illuminating the Church as an indirect source of domestic violence.” She highlights how the patriarchal teachings have created gender injustice and power disparities in relationships which is a root cause for domestic violence. Tremblay says the church has spoken out against domestic violence through reactive solutions, …show more content…

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary patriarchy is defined as “social organization marked by the supremacy of the father in the clan or family, the legal dependence of wives and children.” Patriarchal organizations are created with the intention of having men in control, mostly with power disproportions amongst its followers. The Catholic Church’s is structured by the patriarchy which puts men in charge of decision making and women subordinates which are included in its theological teachings. Male-domination and centeredness structure the teachings behind the core values, beliefs, and principles of Catholic teachings. The Church has the power to change previously values shaped by the patriarchy through enforcing justice and equality without fully diminishing the patriarchy. Tremblay, pg.25. Men are taught they are in control to lead the family and throughout a couple’s relationship. This allows men to use the “power” given in controlling behaviors, leading to isolation, intimidation and …show more content…

However, there are theological teachings that condone violence, which I don’t believe are spoken about enough to convey that the community should never take seriously, which indirectly lead to the church being a source of domestic violence. These outdated patriarchal teachings should be addressed more often by the Church and revalued to advocate for gender equality and justice. A study on Violence Against Women in 2021 from the World Health Organization reports that one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetimes, not including emotional abuse. These studies do not specifically include religious beliefs as a part of the data collected. However, phycologist Christauria Welland stated the statistics are about the same, for Catholics identifying women also experience intimate partner violence. Although studies from the World Health Organization have not specifically determined if the women reporting are indeed religious, certain Catholic marital teaching dissuades women to leave abusive

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