Conceptualizations of Gender (In)Equality among Latvian Christian Women1

Currently, Latvia’s largest Christian denominations are experiencing an increasing masculinization of leadership, often supported by conservative politics. How does this masculine turn affect Christian women in Latvia, and where do they stand in relation to gender equality’s role in a fair society? Using insights from qualitative interviews that explore how women imagine and understand gender relations, this chapter addresses the overlap between individualistic and interrelational views of gender. These women provide a critique of individualistic and power-based interpretations of gender. They selectively accept their church’s political anti-genderist discourse and acknowledge the prevalence of male dominance in secular life. These women grapple with the contradiction between dominance and the ideal of equity, often finding solace in their belief in God-given interrelatedness. The reinterpretation of gender relations and mystical experience allows women to reverse traditional gender hierarchies and empowers them through their relationship with God. As a result, gender equality policy frameworks are deemed inappropriate for achieving equality, since these women believe God’s grace and love offer more acceptable solutions.