Releasing Culture of Mutuality from Obscurity

(c) 2007 - Peter C. Newton-Evans(c) 2007 - Peter C. Newton-Evans 11

Releasing the Releasing the

Culture of Mutuality Culture of Mutuality

from Obscurityfrom Obscurity

Peter C. Newton-EvansPeter C. Newton-Evans


The ProblemThe Problem

For centuries, the world has been dominated by For centuries, the world has been dominated by a culture of contest.a culture of contest.

In order to survive, we urgently need to develop In order to survive, we urgently need to develop a culture of mutuality.a culture of mutuality.

However, adversarialism is widely considered However, adversarialism is widely considered intrinsic to our human nature.intrinsic to our human nature.

There appear to be few modern examples of There appear to be few modern examples of societies based on mutuality.societies based on mutuality.

Lacking such referents, it will be very hard to Lacking such referents, it will be very hard to build a culture of mutuality build a culture of mutuality ..


References UsedReferences Used

Boulding, Elise: “Cultures of Peace – The Hidden Side of History." Boulding, Elise: “Cultures of Peace – The Hidden Side of History."

Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2000. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2000.

Fellman, Gordon: “Rambo and the Dalai Lama – The Compulsion to Fellman, Gordon: “Rambo and the Dalai Lama – The Compulsion to

Win and its Threat to Human Survival." Albany, NY: State University Win and its Threat to Human Survival." Albany, NY: State University

of New York Press, 1998.of New York Press, 1998.

Karlberg, Michael: “Beyond the Culture of Contest – From Karlberg, Michael: “Beyond the Culture of Contest – From

Adversarialism to Mutualism in an Age of Interdependence." Oxford: Adversarialism to Mutualism in an Age of Interdependence." Oxford:

George Ronald Publisher, 2004.George Ronald Publisher, 2004.

Universal House of Justice, “Women – a Compilation.” Haifa: Bahá’í Universal House of Justice, “Women – a Compilation.” Haifa: Bahá’í

World Center Research Department, 1986World Center Research Department, 1986..

‘‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “Women – a Compilation.” Haifa: Baha'i World Center Abdu’l-Bahá, “Women – a Compilation.” Haifa: Baha'i World Center

Research Department, 1986.Research Department, 1986.


The ProposalThe Proposal

1.1. All humans are born with the potential for all human qualities, both adversarial All humans are born with the potential for all human qualities, both adversarial

and mutualistic. Which are more developed depends on education and training.and mutualistic. Which are more developed depends on education and training.

2.2. The functions historically assigned to men (public) and women (private) lead to The functions historically assigned to men (public) and women (private) lead to

greater development adversarial attributes in men and mutualism in women. greater development adversarial attributes in men and mutualism in women.

3.3. Over time, these gender differences were considered sexually determined. They Over time, these gender differences were considered sexually determined. They

were increasingly reproduced, deepened and polarized through socialization. were increasingly reproduced, deepened and polarized through socialization.

4.4. There evolved a masculine culture of adversarialism, very visibly in the public There evolved a masculine culture of adversarialism, very visibly in the public

sphere; and a feminine culture of mutuality, rather hidden in the private sphere.sphere; and a feminine culture of mutuality, rather hidden in the private sphere.

5.5. The culture of adversarialism became dominant and deemed superior to that of The culture of adversarialism became dominant and deemed superior to that of

mutuality, essential to all societies and even expressive of true “human nature."mutuality, essential to all societies and even expressive of true “human nature."

6.6. Now the culture of adversarialism is threatening our existence. That of mutuality Now the culture of adversarialism is threatening our existence. That of mutuality

is a hidden resource waiting to be brought from the private to the public arena.is a hidden resource waiting to be brought from the private to the public arena.

7.7. More women need to enter the public sphere and more men to develop the More women need to enter the public sphere and more men to develop the

attributes of mutuality, to transform our institutions according to this new culture attributes of mutuality, to transform our institutions according to this new culture ..


Created equal; trained differentlyCreated equal; trained differently

““As history has evolved in the past ten to fifteen thousand years, As history has evolved in the past ten to fifteen thousand years,

men have come to dominate women, nature and other men. It men have come to dominate women, nature and other men. It

appears that this was not always the case. Qualities that are part of appears that this was not always the case. Qualities that are part of

all humans came to be allocated according to gender: men became all humans came to be allocated according to gender: men became

external, strong, hard, determined, aggressive, public, competitive, external, strong, hard, determined, aggressive, public, competitive,

warlike, dominative. Women became internal, weak, soft, hesitant, warlike, dominative. Women became internal, weak, soft, hesitant,

passive, private, cooperative, peaceful, submissive… more than passive, private, cooperative, peaceful, submissive… more than

men caring about caring, nurturing, and emotional honesty; men caring about caring, nurturing, and emotional honesty;

respecting vulnerability, hurt, and emotional complexity; loving new respecting vulnerability, hurt, and emotional complexity; loving new

life and seeing it through from fragile infancy to competent life and seeing it through from fragile infancy to competent

adulthood...” (Fellman, p. 14 adulthood...” (Fellman, p. 14 ))


From function to attributeFrom function to attribute

FellmanFellman: “Historically, women as well as men operate in both adversary and : “Historically, women as well as men operate in both adversary and mutuality modes, but friendship, nurturance, and compassion are more central mutuality modes, but friendship, nurturance, and compassion are more central to most females’ training in most societies than to that of most males. Mutuality to most females’ training in most societies than to that of most males. Mutuality qualities are especially in evidence in family life, friendship, and love – the so-qualities are especially in evidence in family life, friendship, and love – the so-called private sphere. It follows that until women enter the adversarialism of called private sphere. It follows that until women enter the adversarialism of public life, they may be more familiar with mutuality than are men ordinarily." public life, they may be more familiar with mutuality than are men ordinarily." (p. 26)(p. 26)

FellmanFellman: “The empathic approach is in conventional terms “feminine,” while : “The empathic approach is in conventional terms “feminine,” while [contest] is in conventional terms “masculine." In truth, of course, many men [contest] is in conventional terms “masculine." In truth, of course, many men are empathic and many women are not. The conventional terms are useful, are empathic and many women are not. The conventional terms are useful, though, in recognizing how members of each gender have in general been though, in recognizing how members of each gender have in general been socialized to think of themselves as innately one thing rather than another. If all socialized to think of themselves as innately one thing rather than another. If all human qualities belong to all people, then members of neither gender need feel human qualities belong to all people, then members of neither gender need feel either more entitled to one set of behaviors than another or less. (p. 148 either more entitled to one set of behaviors than another or less. (p. 148 ))


Differentiated QualitiesDifferentiated Qualities

Classical MasculineClassical Masculine Classical FeminineClassical Feminine

Conflict, confrontation, competitionConflict, confrontation, competition Harmony, conciliation, collaborationHarmony, conciliation, collaboration

Impulsive, aggressive, brute force, Impulsive, aggressive, brute force,

weapons predominantweapons predominant

Reflexive, tender, moral strength, Reflexive, tender, moral strength,

words predominantwords predominant

Invasion, conquest, domination of Invasion, conquest, domination of

new territoriesnew territories

Consolidation, preservation and Consolidation, preservation and

cultivation of what is conqueredcultivation of what is conquered

Logical, linear thought, analysis, the Logical, linear thought, analysis, the

intellect prevails, knowing dataintellect prevails, knowing data

Intuitive thought, creativity, emotions Intuitive thought, creativity, emotions

prevail, understanding the wholeprevail, understanding the whole

Hardness, insensitivity, repressing Hardness, insensitivity, repressing

feelingsfeelings

Softness, sensitivity, expressing Softness, sensitivity, expressing

feelingsfeelings

Justice, rigidity, greedinessJustice, rigidity, greediness Mercy, compassion, generosityMercy, compassion, generosity


Not EssentialistNot Essentialist

EssentialismEssentialism: Gender-differentiated attributes have biological causes are : Gender-differentiated attributes have biological causes are

part of the “essence” of being male or female, and are therefore part of the “essence” of being male or female, and are therefore

immutable.immutable.

BouldingBoulding: “My argument is not an essentialist one... It is, rather, that : “My argument is not an essentialist one... It is, rather, that

women’s knowledge and experience worlds have equipped them to women’s knowledge and experience worlds have equipped them to

function creatively as problem solvers and peacemakers in ways that function creatively as problem solvers and peacemakers in ways that

men have not been equipped by their knowledge and experience worlds. men have not been equipped by their knowledge and experience worlds.

This, obviously, can change. More sharing of experience worlds This, obviously, can change. More sharing of experience worlds

between women and men will be an important next step in human between women and men will be an important next step in human

development.” development.” (p. 109 (p. 109 ))


Two cultures in two spheresTwo cultures in two spheres

Ontological DefinitionOntological Definition: All men are like this; all women like that.: All men are like this; all women like that.

Cultural DescriptionCultural Description: The masculine culture is inclined in one direction and : The masculine culture is inclined in one direction and

the feminine culture in another. the feminine culture in another.

All cultures have a full range of characteristics, with the clearest All cultures have a full range of characteristics, with the clearest

exceptions at the extremes. exceptions at the extremes.

ExampleExample: In a culture of punctuality, someone is always late; and in a : In a culture of punctuality, someone is always late; and in a

culture of unpunctuality, there is always someone who arrives on time.culture of unpunctuality, there is always someone who arrives on time.

FellmanFellman: “This division of character and personality was never complete. : “This division of character and personality was never complete.

History reveals strong, dominative women and weak, passive men, as History reveals strong, dominative women and weak, passive men, as

well as the opposites, but the opposites have for a very long time defined well as the opposites, but the opposites have for a very long time defined

what is proper for each gender in all but a handful of indigenous, pre-what is proper for each gender in all but a handful of indigenous, pre-

modern cultures...” (p. 14 modern cultures...” (p. 14 ))


Male DominationMale Domination

““In our economy, our political institutions, our judicial systems, our In our economy, our political institutions, our judicial systems, our

educational systems and so forth, systems of reward tend to privilege educational systems and so forth, systems of reward tend to privilege

traditionally ‘masculine’ adversarial traits over traditionally ‘feminine’ traditionally ‘masculine’ adversarial traits over traditionally ‘feminine’

traits such as caring and cooperation. Given the historical association of traits such as caring and cooperation. Given the historical association of

aggression and competition with masculinity, these systems of reward aggression and competition with masculinity, these systems of reward

often serve as systems of male privilege... As long as aggression and often serve as systems of male privilege... As long as aggression and

competition are rewarded, males are often advantaged and females are competition are rewarded, males are often advantaged and females are

often disadvantaged... Male expressions of aggression and competition often disadvantaged... Male expressions of aggression and competition

are rewarded in many situations because they tend to be viewed as are rewarded in many situations because they tend to be viewed as

natural and appropriate. In contrast, female expressions of aggression natural and appropriate. In contrast, female expressions of aggression

and competition are often not rewarded in the same situations because and competition are often not rewarded in the same situations because

they tend to be viewed as unnatural and inappropriate. These double they tend to be viewed as unnatural and inappropriate. These double

standards reinforce inherited structures of male domination.” standards reinforce inherited structures of male domination.”

(Karlberg, pp. 85-86 (Karlberg, pp. 85-86 ))


Male superiorityMale superiority

““Simply put, the flip side of a culture that privileges adversarial qualities and Simply put, the flip side of a culture that privileges adversarial qualities and power struggles is a culture that devalues mutualistic qualities and relations. power struggles is a culture that devalues mutualistic qualities and relations. Within a culture of contest, the nurturing relations and qualities that are Within a culture of contest, the nurturing relations and qualities that are requisites of effective parenthood, education and various caring professions requisites of effective parenthood, education and various caring professions tend to be devalued across the board. The cooperative and reciprocal relations tend to be devalued across the board. The cooperative and reciprocal relations that are requisites of mutual accomplishment and collective capacity also tend that are requisites of mutual accomplishment and collective capacity also tend to be devalued. And finally, the peaceful relations that are requisites of to be devalued. And finally, the peaceful relations that are requisites of community and security also tend to be devalued. community and security also tend to be devalued.

““Devaluing these relations and qualities has dual consequences. On the one Devaluing these relations and qualities has dual consequences. On the one hand, by delegating most of the roles requiring these qualities to women, hand, by delegating most of the roles requiring these qualities to women, women are discriminated against through their association with these devalued women are discriminated against through their association with these devalued roles. On the other hand, the devaluation of these qualities simultaneously roles. On the other hand, the devaluation of these qualities simultaneously creates a disincentive for men to develop them and, as a consequence, the half creates a disincentive for men to develop them and, as a consequence, the half of the population that still largely holds the reins of public affairs brings a deficit of the population that still largely holds the reins of public affairs brings a deficit of nurturing, caring and cooperative skills to their positions of power in society.” of nurturing, caring and cooperative skills to their positions of power in society.” (Karlberg, pp. 86-87 (Karlberg, pp. 86-87 ))


The roots of “The roots of “machismomachismo””

• AssumptionAssumption: Men are inherently superior to women.: Men are inherently superior to women.

• ComplicationComplication: Certain women are considered superior to certain men.: Certain women are considered superior to certain men.

• SolutionSolution: We pursue the following sequence of arguments:: We pursue the following sequence of arguments:

Each human being has all qualities of character, in potential. Different roles and functions Each human being has all qualities of character, in potential. Different roles and functions are assigned to both sexes, which favor the development of different qualities of character. are assigned to both sexes, which favor the development of different qualities of character. These are polarized into male and female, strengthened through socialization, and congeal These are polarized into male and female, strengthened through socialization, and congeal as a masculine and feminine culture. as a masculine and feminine culture.

• ConclusionConclusion: Machismo is based on believing the “male” qualities and culture to be : Machismo is based on believing the “male” qualities and culture to be superior to the “female” qualities and culture. superior to the “female” qualities and culture.

• TestTest: A man who develops the “female” qualities and culture is frowned upon, : A man who develops the “female” qualities and culture is frowned upon, while a woman who develops the “male” qualities and culture is applauded.while a woman who develops the “male” qualities and culture is applauded.

• KarlbergKarlberg: “Beyond the relative disadvantages that women have historically : “Beyond the relative disadvantages that women have historically experienced…, many feminists also express concern regarding the domination experienced…, many feminists also express concern regarding the domination of masculine of masculine qualities qualities (as opposed to male persons) over feminine (as opposed to male persons) over feminine qualities qualities (as (as opposed to female persons), regardless of whether these qualities are displayed opposed to female persons), regardless of whether these qualities are displayed by women or men.” (p. 86 by women or men.” (p. 86 ))


The Bahá’í VisionThe Bahá’í Vision

““The world of humanity has two wings - one is women and the other men. The world of humanity has two wings - one is women and the other men.

Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing

remain weak, flight is impossible. Not until the world of women becomes remain weak, flight is impossible. Not until the world of women becomes

equal to the world of men in the acquisition of virtues and perfections, can equal to the world of men in the acquisition of virtues and perfections, can

success and prosperity be attained as they ought to besuccess and prosperity be attained as they ought to be.”.”

““Just as physical accomplishment is complete with two hands, so man and Just as physical accomplishment is complete with two hands, so man and

woman, the two parts of the social body, must be perfect. It is not natural woman, the two parts of the social body, must be perfect. It is not natural

that either should remain undeveloped; and until both are perfected, the that either should remain undeveloped; and until both are perfected, the

happiness of the human world will not be realizedhappiness of the human world will not be realized."."

““As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so

long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirslong will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs.” .”

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá (‘Abdu’l-Bahá ))


6. The crisis and the opportunity6. The crisis and the opportunity

““It is my claim that these qualities, allocated to women historically yet available It is my claim that these qualities, allocated to women historically yet available to all people and the proper birthright of everyone, will either make it fully into to all people and the proper birthright of everyone, will either make it fully into the mainstream consciousness and behavior, or we will die of our shortsighted-the mainstream consciousness and behavior, or we will die of our shortsighted-ness and confusion... Limiting compassion and caring to nursery and household ness and confusion... Limiting compassion and caring to nursery and household is no longer tenable. These qualities will become public virtues, or we will die is no longer tenable. These qualities will become public virtues, or we will die before our time... Compulsive adversary behavior has brought us to the brink of before our time... Compulsive adversary behavior has brought us to the brink of destruction. At the same time, a greater expression of mutuality… can not only destruction. At the same time, a greater expression of mutuality… can not only save us but can bring us to farm more gratified states than most people have save us but can bring us to farm more gratified states than most people have known in the last several millennia.” (Fellman, p. 14)known in the last several millennia.” (Fellman, p. 14)

““To pose empathy as an emergent political category necessary… for species To pose empathy as an emergent political category necessary… for species survival is to suggest an opening of both male behavior and political theory to survival is to suggest an opening of both male behavior and political theory to qualities and processes that had by sleight of definition been denied them by qualities and processes that had by sleight of definition been denied them by being labeled feminine. Here is an example of how binary thinking deprives being labeled feminine. Here is an example of how binary thinking deprives people of access to what is part of the human heritage.” (Fellman, p. 148 people of access to what is part of the human heritage.” (Fellman, p. 148 ))


ClarificationsClarifications

This does not mean that the “male” culture and attributes are inherently This does not mean that the “male” culture and attributes are inherently “bad,” or that the “female” qualities and culture are inherently “good." “bad,” or that the “female” qualities and culture are inherently “good."

The “male” attributes were necessary during an earlier stage in human The “male” attributes were necessary during an earlier stage in human development. Our age demands qualities that for historical reasons are development. Our age demands qualities that for historical reasons are more highly developed in the “feminine” culture.more highly developed in the “feminine” culture.

By consolidating her presence in the “public sphere,” women should not By consolidating her presence in the “public sphere,” women should not lose her distinctive qualities to become an “honorary man”: a person of lose her distinctive qualities to become an “honorary man”: a person of female sex who thinks and acts according to the masculine culture.female sex who thinks and acts according to the masculine culture.

Neither is it enough to recognize and accept these qualities as positive. Neither is it enough to recognize and accept these qualities as positive. They need to be institutionalized – given flesh as social structures of our They need to be institutionalized – given flesh as social structures of our organized existence organized existence ..


InstitutionalizationInstitutionalization

ConflictConflict CooperationCooperation

• Economic competition concen-Economic competition concen-

trates wealth and amplifies trates wealth and amplifies

volatility.volatility.

• Economic cooperation improves Economic cooperation improves

distribution and deepens distribution and deepens

stability.stability.

• Power struggle in government Power struggle in government

produces political stagnation.produces political stagnation.

• Empowerment of the masses Empowerment of the masses

ensures good governance.ensures good governance.

• Social divisions due to class, Social divisions due to class,

race, nation, creed...race, nation, creed...

• Unity in diversity promotes Unity in diversity promotes

mutual collaboration.mutual collaboration.

• Destruction of ecosystems to Destruction of ecosystems to

extract their wealth.extract their wealth.

• Symbiotic relationship heightens Symbiotic relationship heightens

productivity of entire system.productivity of entire system.


Women and PeaceWomen and Peace‘‘Abdu’l-BaháAbdu’l-Bahá: “: “War and its ravages have blighted the world; the education of woman War and its ravages have blighted the world; the education of woman will be a mighty step toward its abolition and ending, for she will use her whole will be a mighty step toward its abolition and ending, for she will use her whole influence against war. Woman rears the child and educates the youth to maturity. She influence against war. Woman rears the child and educates the youth to maturity. She will refuse to give her sons for sacrifice upon the field of battle. In truth, she will be the will refuse to give her sons for sacrifice upon the field of battle. In truth, she will be the greatest factor in establishing universal peace and international arbitration. Assuredly, greatest factor in establishing universal peace and international arbitration. Assuredly, woman will abolish warfare among mankindwoman will abolish warfare among mankind..””

BouldingBoulding: “The stereotypical view of peace as women’s business and, therefore, not : “The stereotypical view of peace as women’s business and, therefore, not important in real-life public affairs hides from view the extraordinary creativity women important in real-life public affairs hides from view the extraordinary creativity women have shown through time in creating not only public spaces for peaceful interaction in have shown through time in creating not only public spaces for peaceful interaction in the midst of violence but also new ways of thinking and acting. Precisely because the midst of violence but also new ways of thinking and acting. Precisely because women are marginal to public decision making in the existing social order, they are women are marginal to public decision making in the existing social order, they are freer to develop new approaches. They have few vested interests to protect.” (p. 107)freer to develop new approaches. They have few vested interests to protect.” (p. 107)

Aung San Suu KyiAung San Suu Kyi: “For millennia women have dedicated themselves almost : “For millennia women have dedicated themselves almost exclusively to the task of nurturing, protecting and caring for the young and the old, exclusively to the task of nurturing, protecting and caring for the young and the old, striving for the conditions of peace that favor life as a whole. It is time to apply in the striving for the conditions of peace that favor life as a whole. It is time to apply in the arena of the world the wisdom and experience [that women have gained].” (quoted arena of the world the wisdom and experience [that women have gained].” (quoted by Fellman, p. 14 by Fellman, p. 14 ))


Priority Education for WomenPriority Education for Women“…“…woman must be given the privilege of equal education with man and full woman must be given the privilege of equal education with man and full right to his prerogatives. That is to say, there must be no difference in the right to his prerogatives. That is to say, there must be no difference in the education of male and female in order that womankind may develop equal education of male and female in order that womankind may develop equal capacity and importance with man in the social and economic equation. Then capacity and importance with man in the social and economic equation. Then the world will attain unity and harmony. In past ages humanity has been the world will attain unity and harmony. In past ages humanity has been defective and inefficient because it has been incomplete. ” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)defective and inefficient because it has been incomplete. ” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

““Furthermore, the education of woman is more necessary and important Furthermore, the education of woman is more necessary and important than that of man, for woman is the trainer of the child from its infancy. If she than that of man, for woman is the trainer of the child from its infancy. If she be defective and imperfect herself, the child will necessarily be deficient; be defective and imperfect herself, the child will necessarily be deficient; therefore, imperfection of woman implies a condition of imperfection in all therefore, imperfection of woman implies a condition of imperfection in all mankind, for it is the mother who rears, nurtures and guides the growth of the mankind, for it is the mother who rears, nurtures and guides the growth of the child… The mothers are the first educators of mankind; if they be imperfect, child… The mothers are the first educators of mankind; if they be imperfect, alas for the condition and future of the race.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)alas for the condition and future of the race.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

”…”…when it is not possible to educate all one’s children, daughters receive when it is not possible to educate all one’s children, daughters receive preference over sons, as mothers are the first educators of the next preference over sons, as mothers are the first educators of the next generation. (Universal House of Justice generation. (Universal House of Justice ))


RecapitulationRecapitulation

1.1. All humans are born with the potential for all human qualities, both adversarial All humans are born with the potential for all human qualities, both adversarial

and mutualistic. Which are more developed depends on education and training.and mutualistic. Which are more developed depends on education and training.

2.2. The functions historically assigned to men (public) and women (private) lead to The functions historically assigned to men (public) and women (private) lead to

greater development adversarial attributes in men and mutualism in women. greater development adversarial attributes in men and mutualism in women.

3.3. Over time, these gender differences were considered sexually determined. They Over time, these gender differences were considered sexually determined. They

were increasingly reproduced, deepened and polarized through socialization. were increasingly reproduced, deepened and polarized through socialization.

4.4. There evolved a masculine culture of adversarialism, very visibly in the public There evolved a masculine culture of adversarialism, very visibly in the public

sphere; and a feminine culture of mutuality, rather hidden in the private sphere.sphere; and a feminine culture of mutuality, rather hidden in the private sphere.

5.5. The culture of adversarialism became dominant and deemed superior to that of The culture of adversarialism became dominant and deemed superior to that of

mutuality, essential to all societies and even expressive of true “human nature."mutuality, essential to all societies and even expressive of true “human nature."

6.6. Now the culture of adversarialism is threatening our existence. That of mutuality Now the culture of adversarialism is threatening our existence. That of mutuality

is a hidden resource waiting to be brought from the private to the public arena.is a hidden resource waiting to be brought from the private to the public arena.

7.7. More women need to enter the public sphere and more men to develop the More women need to enter the public sphere and more men to develop the

attributes of mutuality, to transform our institutions according to this new culture attributes of mutuality, to transform our institutions according to this new culture ..


Unity in DiversityUnity in Diversity

BouldingBoulding: “Will men and women become more alike? More likely, they will : “Will men and women become more alike? More likely, they will become more different, because with shared parenting, a fuller individuation become more different, because with shared parenting, a fuller individuation of each personality will be possible. Whatever biological potentialities are of each personality will be possible. Whatever biological potentialities are present in individuals will have freer play with the fuller maturity that comes present in individuals will have freer play with the fuller maturity that comes from sharing nurturance and service roles between men and women. The from sharing nurturance and service roles between men and women. The link between gender and occupationally defined social roles will have been link between gender and occupationally defined social roles will have been broken.” (pp. 132-3)broken.” (pp. 132-3)

Universal House of JusticeUniversal House of Justice: “: “Equality between men and women does not, Equality between men and women does not, indeed physiologically it cannot, mean identity of functions. In some things indeed physiologically it cannot, mean identity of functions. In some things women excel men, for others men are better fitted than women, while in women excel men, for others men are better fitted than women, while in very many things the difference of sex is of no effect at all. The differences very many things the difference of sex is of no effect at all. The differences of function are most apparent in family lifeof function are most apparent in family life..””


The World of the FutureThe World of the Future

““The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities both of body and mind. But the balance is aggressive qualities both of body and mind. But the balance is already shifting; force is losing its dominance, and mental already shifting; force is losing its dominance, and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy. in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy.

““Hence the new age will be an age less masculine and more Hence the new age will be an age less masculine and more permeated with the feminine ideals, or, to speak more exactly, permeated with the feminine ideals, or, to speak more exactly, will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more evenly balanced.”civilization will be more evenly balanced.”

('Abdu'l-Bahá ('Abdu'l-Bahá ))


““Rest ye assured! Ere long the days shall come when the men Rest ye assured! Ere long the days shall come when the men

addressing the women, shall say: addressing the women, shall say:

‘‘Blessed are ye! Blessed are ye! Verily ye are worthy of Blessed are ye! Blessed are ye! Verily ye are worthy of

every gift. Verily ye deserve to adorn your heads with the every gift. Verily ye deserve to adorn your heads with the

crown of everlasting glory, because in sciences and arts, crown of everlasting glory, because in sciences and arts,

in virtues and perfections ye shall become equal to man, in virtues and perfections ye shall become equal to man,

and as regards tenderness of heart and the abundance and as regards tenderness of heart and the abundance

of mercy and sympathy ye are superior’.of mercy and sympathy ye are superior’.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá (‘Abdu’l-Bahá ))

Blessed are ye!Blessed are ye!


Thank youThank you

www.cultureofpeace.peternewton.bizwww.cultureofpeace.peternewton.biz

Releasing Culture of Mutuality from Obscurity

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