PERCEPTIONS OF PATRIARCHY AND PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE AMONG THE CATHOLIC MEN ASSOCIATION: A CASE STUDY OF REGINA CAELI CATHOLIC PARISH, ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI

ABSTRACT

Patriarchy has historically shaped leadership structures, social interactions, and decision-making processes within Catholic Church communities, influencing both unity and the emergence of conflicts. Gender roles and power dynamics within religious institutions, such as the Catholic Church, are still defined by this sociocultural construct. This study examined the role of patriarchy and peaceful co-existence among Catholics in Regina Caeli Catholic Parish in the Nairobi Archdiocese, Kenya, with particular reference to the Catholic Men’s Association (CMA). It explored the perception of parishioners towards patriarchy, assessed how power dynamics influence peaceful co-existence in the Parish, examined the role of CMA to peaceful co-existence, and established ways to improve peaceful co-existence. Guided by Social Dominance Theory and Social Contract Theory, the study employed a convergent parallel mixed methods. Data were collected from 308 parishioners and seven key informants through structured questionnaires and purposive interviews and were analyzed using SPSS and thematic analysis. The findings confirm that patriarchal structures still prevail with men predominantly occupying leadership roles. Nevertheless, the study uncovered clear evidence of inclusivity, shared leadership, and intergenerational dialogue, particularly in participatory parish councils and Small Christian Communities. The CMA was a significant force for peace via shared parish activities, mentoring programs, and charity work, despite the fact that women’s participation was sometimes limited. Gendered and generational interpretations of Scripture guided leadership attitudes: older members cited passages such as Ephesians 5:23 to support male headship, while younger members and women emphasized egalitarian principles from Galatians 3:28 and 1 Corinthians 12:12, which emphasized equality and unity in the body of Christ. Conversation, joint decision-making, mentoring, and formalized cooperation were the measures that the study identified as effective in preserving harmony. These findings provide guidance to policymakers, church leaders, and religious organizations as they negotiate customary practices, participatory democracy, gender equity, and sustainable parish harmony.