Cultural Studies paper by Pack, Martha (Marty)
Northeastern Illinois University

Catholicism, Women and the Nationalist Movement

Type of Abstract (select):

Abstract (max. 250 words):
This research looks at Hungary and its current use of Catholicism in relation to Women and the Nationalist movement. Catholicism and Gender equality are interrelated. Catholicism as a state religion promotes traditional family values. The Roman Catholic Church teaches religion in public institutions in Hungary, interlacing traditional gender roles with the Nationalist movement and creating roadblocks toward women’s equality. Hungary’s concordats with the Vatican and the Istanbul Convention are in conflict when addressing women's human rights. In addition, the promotion of a moral authority blurs the separation of church and state making it difficult for a secular society to blossom. The Catholic Church in Hungary, wanting to establish political power and rationalize the Nationalist movement to solidify that power, conflicts with women’s equality and arguably, with democracy.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Marty Pack is a recent political science graduate student focusing on human rights. Her thesis concentrated on domestic violence in Eastern Europe through the lens of Catholicism. She is a freelance human rights documentary producer and teacher in the Columbus Public School system. Her freelance documentaries look at complicated social issues and explores them in a way that informs the public. Her films have been used to educate Chicago Teachers Union members and social work students. She has traveled to several countries presenting her political science masters research at various conferences, in hopes of enlightening educators about domestic violence in relation to gender equality and religion. She lives in Columbus, OH with her two teenagers and hopes to pursue a PhD in 2019 combining her film background and academic investigation. m-pack@neiu.edu