Saying the F(eminism)-Word at a Christian University

Abstract

The word “feminism” is burdened with historical baggage, and that burden may take on an extra dimension for those in Christian higher education. Here, I investigate the connection between feminist and Christian paradigms and explore, through a case study of three students, their struggles with the label of feminism even as they create feminist artworks and describe their beliefs and experiences in relation to those works using feminist-based terminologies, such as “woman as Other” and “male gaze.”  I then draw conclusions for consideration for those working in Christian higher (art) education and the responsibility that we share in educating our students within an environment that is understanding of both their feminist and Christian perspectives, and in which students are free to engage in dialogue and critical inquiry in relation to these paradigms.