Preacher Woman goes a long way to explaining why women remain so under-represented in the pulpits even of a religious group that espouses gender equality. Lauve-Moon shows how the absence of role models, ostensibly gender-neutral hiring practices that are anything but, implicit and explicit biases, and subtle and not-so-subtle discouragements all play a role. Preacher Woman is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the barriers to true equal
opportunity for female clergy.
Katie Lauve-Moon is Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work and Affiliate Faculty in the Women & Gender Studies Department at Texas Christian University.