The Equality of Women and Men : The Experience of the Bahá'í Community of Canada

This book presents a sociological study undertaken by the Baha’is of Canada to examine implementation of the Baha’i tenet of equality between the sexes. It is a very detailed report that looks closely at a variety of communities and their experiences as they attempt to develop and implement a concept central to the Faith, but often not present in the external society. The authors, a married couple, are both sociologists and appear to have followed a rigorous scientific approach, with adherence to sociological and statistical norms typical in a scholarly examination. With a sample group of 119 Baha’is in twelve focus groups, the authors followed discussions over the course of a year.

Discussions were taped and transcribed-in one case, translation from the French was required as well- and then analyzed for themes common across all groups, and those unique to individual groups. What emerges is a portrait of individuals and communities in transition, attempting to better understand and implement this important facet of Baha’i life in their relationships with family, friends, the Baha’i community, and society at large. The authors conclude that two very important supports in progress toward the goal of equality are the Baha’i emphasis on family life, and the Baha’i process of consultation. They examine both the type of factors that encourage development of equality, and those that might be impediments to progress. This book is rich in detail, often quoting transcriptions of individuals as they think through their responses to the questions posed in the focus groups. A significant amount of background is presented as the authors describe general sociological information, the study specifics, Baha’i life and basic religious background, and the variety of results that the study brought forth. The book is important from the standpoint of being the first study of its kind, the results it shows, and for the information it provides on the attitudes Baha’is perceive from the society at large and they focus on developing equality.

Results of research from twelve diverse focus groups held throughout Canada in communities of various sizes. The two most important tools in promoting equality are family life and consultation. Bahá'ís hold a variety of orientations toward gender equality. The authors discover some of the habits that impede the realization of equality. The study also investigates how the wider society views Bahá'í attempts to implement equality.