What do you think?
Rate this book
Buried Talents: Overcoming Gendered Socialization to Answer God's Call
If God is calling women to lead, what's holding them back? Susan Harris Howell has spent years helping students investigate this question. In Buried Talents, she makes clear how gender disparity in leadership is directly connected to a larger, less overt issue: gendered socialization. Howell examines gendered messages people encounter inside and outside the church in each stage of life, showing how they often create misconceptions about who women are, what they're capable of, and how they fit into God's work. As these messages pull men toward leadership, they push women away from it. God's call to leadership doesn't come in a vacuum. It comes to particular people who have, from childhood through adulthood, been shaped by subtle forms of socialization. Using social science research and interviews to explain these forces, Howell offers psychological and practical tools for both women and men to make more balanced vocational decisions. A discussion guide and suggested reading lists are also included to help readers engage and apply the content. As opportunities for women continue to expand, too many still hold back in responding to God's call. Buried Talents provides compelling guidance for how we can remove obstacles that keep women from fully using their gifts.
160 pages, Paperback
Published April 6, 2022
About the author
Susan Harris Howell
1 book8 followersSusan Harris Howell is a writer, speaker, and professor of Psychology, based in Central Kentucky. She has written extensively on the topic of gender equality. Dr. Howell teaches classes on gender studies, and integrating faith and psychology, at Campbellsville University.
Forthcoming novel described as a cozy mystery with elements of magical realism.
Forthcoming novel described as a cozy mystery with elements of magical realism.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 1, 2022
This is an excellent presentation and overview of the different ways men and women are spoken of and viewed by our society. This is very personal to me after spending three years in seminary, I know firsthand what the author is describing. My experiences were many years ago and I'm sorry to hear that this has not changed. Throwing continual light on this issue is the best way to effect change, however slow.
My thanks to the author, Susan Harris Howell, and IV Press for my Uncorrected Proof which I received through LibraryThing.
My thanks to the author, Susan Harris Howell, and IV Press for my Uncorrected Proof which I received through LibraryThing.
April 26, 2022
Susan Harris Howell has been a professor for many years, teaching gender studies. Her lessons in the classroom inspired her to write this book, to reach a larger audience. Buried Talents explores the subtle forms of socialization that encourage men into leadership positions, but discourage women- specifically looking at church leadership.
The first section of the book examines stages of life and how from childhood through adulthood the messages that one receives socialize us in gender-spcific ways. Howell looks at examples of gifts children receive, vocabulary used, and academic praise given by parents and teachers and how such things impact one’s life choices and career. I found much of Howell’s research and reflections very interesting, especially from a teacher’s perspective. How do I praise my students? Do I encourage their efforts, assuring them that their hard work is paying off— or do I praise the student’s intellect? Do I convey that one gender is inherently smarter than another (at math for example)?
The second section of the book helps the reader to reflect on how to create more accurate self-perceptions, how to build a support system, and how to help others.
I think this book provides a good starting point for conversations and reflections about women and men’s roles, especially in a church setting. Each chapter includes reflection/discussion questions to help the reader individually or in a group setting. This book seems important and helpful especially for university students or young adults in serious relationships— to reflect on beliefs and expectations regarding gender roles—Questions such as: how will their household run? Who will pursue a masters degree? For whose job will the family relocate? And how does God’s calling relate to all of this?
While the reader may or may not personally agree with everything Howell writes, Buried Talents is an important book for the church.
”If God calls women to pastor, why don’t more churches have women leaders?” A student from one of Howell’s gender studies classes asked her one day. That question sparked studies that led to this book. Read the book to learn more.
The first section of the book examines stages of life and how from childhood through adulthood the messages that one receives socialize us in gender-spcific ways. Howell looks at examples of gifts children receive, vocabulary used, and academic praise given by parents and teachers and how such things impact one’s life choices and career. I found much of Howell’s research and reflections very interesting, especially from a teacher’s perspective. How do I praise my students? Do I encourage their efforts, assuring them that their hard work is paying off— or do I praise the student’s intellect? Do I convey that one gender is inherently smarter than another (at math for example)?
The second section of the book helps the reader to reflect on how to create more accurate self-perceptions, how to build a support system, and how to help others.
I think this book provides a good starting point for conversations and reflections about women and men’s roles, especially in a church setting. Each chapter includes reflection/discussion questions to help the reader individually or in a group setting. This book seems important and helpful especially for university students or young adults in serious relationships— to reflect on beliefs and expectations regarding gender roles—Questions such as: how will their household run? Who will pursue a masters degree? For whose job will the family relocate? And how does God’s calling relate to all of this?
While the reader may or may not personally agree with everything Howell writes, Buried Talents is an important book for the church.
”If God calls women to pastor, why don’t more churches have women leaders?” A student from one of Howell’s gender studies classes asked her one day. That question sparked studies that led to this book. Read the book to learn more.
April 20, 2022
Howell takes a well researched, biblical, Christian approach to the issue of sexism and female socialization. The book is full of comprehensive examples that are all backed up by data. I found this to be an approachable and easy read for such a complex subject. So many times this topic is taken advantage of on "both sides of the isle" politically and Howell does a wonderful job of showing how sexism hurts all sides. Howell also provides solutions to counteract sexism. I absolutely think that those in Christian leadership, Christian parents, and Christian women should read this book. I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and will be recommending it to others.
May 12, 2022
This book really made me think and gave me a lot of realization of things I have seen in my own life. I definitely agree women should feel able to speak up and demand to be treated respectfully and the same as men. I have personally done or witnessed many women in my life that have done so many things this book talks about and its nice to know your not alone but that we can make changes.
August 9, 2023
Absolutely phenomenal. Howell explores how gendered socialization leads to implicit sexism - through childhood norms, language, religious traditions, workplace dynamics, identity formation, moral frameworks, how men and women gauge success, and more. She’s written a powerful book, which I plan to recommend for anyone in church leadership. I couldn’t stop reading. It’s too important.
It helped me imagine practical application in my internal dialogue, perception, language, marriage, parenting, group memberships, workplace interactions, and theology. Additionally, it has given me more confidence to vocally support gender equality in my spheres of influence.
It helped me imagine practical application in my internal dialogue, perception, language, marriage, parenting, group memberships, workplace interactions, and theology. Additionally, it has given me more confidence to vocally support gender equality in my spheres of influence.
June 1, 2022
Buried Talents was birthed from the question: If God calls women to pastor, why don't more churches have women leaders? And so Susan Harris Howell sets out to tell us why, or in her own words: to expose the subtle forms of socialization that pull women away from, and move men toward, leadership.
The title is tied to the parable of the talents and draws on Kristina LaCelle-Peterson's book, Liberating Tradition: Women's Identity and Vocation in Christian Perspective, which asks:
Chapters 1 to 3 cover what gendered socialization looks like in the different stages of growth from childhood to adulthood, how it affects the development of a child (whether male or female), and simply how pervasive it is even if it is unintentional. Even where parents may proactively reject gendered socialization in the home, by the time a child goes out into the world, they will be exposed to such messaging. It can also be as subtle as what stories get highlighted in the media, where "Men are the norm; women, the exception. Men accomplish in ways that are notable; women, not so much."
One thing I found myself ruminating over in these chapters was the point Howell made about identity and how many women, especially in church settings, do not have an identity of their own--because boys are told that achievement is a worthwhile goal in and of itself, but girls are often told that whatever they do, they will need to sacrifice it for their spouse. Why then pursue something only to have to give it up? She ties this back to the Fall, saying that "the imbalance in the husband-wife relationship is the natural consequence of sin", later saying:
That's one interpretation I have not really considered before.
Chapter 4 is a fictional case study of how gendered socialization often plays out in real life. I found it to be very realistic --but felt that a concluding paragraph might have helped me understand what these stories were for. As it is, they just...ended and were never referred to again. And so...?
Chapters 5 to 7 offer suggestions and practical steps on how to overcome gendered socialization starting with the home and our personal lives. It also covers the wider societal spheres of church, work, and businesses, and how one can actively push back against gendered messaging, sometimes by just being persistently present.
I think I expected a little more exposition or teaching on what the Bible says about gender equality, but Howell's target appears to be egalitarian Christians; in talking about building a support network, Howell does advise readers to consider whether [a complementarian] church is the best place to serve, worship, and grow. It's also not written specifically to women--some of the suggestions cover how husbands can support their wives and work towards an equitable arrangement that ultimately allows both of them to live their callings.
While Buried Talents is written for Christians and is published by a Christian press, I felt that it could also be read and appreciated by a general readership that is working towards gender equality at work and in the home. Though there are some sections that are specifically targetted towards Christians and the church (especially in relation to pastoring or church leadership), almost everything else is generally applicable to pursuing gender equality and more women in positions of leadership: just exchange "God's call" for "dreams" or "ambitions".
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The title is tied to the parable of the talents and draws on Kristina LaCelle-Peterson's book, Liberating Tradition: Women's Identity and Vocation in Christian Perspective, which asks:
"Would the returning master of the household be mollified if the excuse for burying one's talent was, 'I got married', or 'My husband didn't want me to'?"
Chapters 1 to 3 cover what gendered socialization looks like in the different stages of growth from childhood to adulthood, how it affects the development of a child (whether male or female), and simply how pervasive it is even if it is unintentional. Even where parents may proactively reject gendered socialization in the home, by the time a child goes out into the world, they will be exposed to such messaging. It can also be as subtle as what stories get highlighted in the media, where "Men are the norm; women, the exception. Men accomplish in ways that are notable; women, not so much."
One thing I found myself ruminating over in these chapters was the point Howell made about identity and how many women, especially in church settings, do not have an identity of their own--because boys are told that achievement is a worthwhile goal in and of itself, but girls are often told that whatever they do, they will need to sacrifice it for their spouse. Why then pursue something only to have to give it up? She ties this back to the Fall, saying that "the imbalance in the husband-wife relationship is the natural consequence of sin", later saying:
"In the light of this interpretation, men feeling good about themselves when they are better than women, and women not using God-given abilities to their fullest in order to please men makes perfect sense. "
That's one interpretation I have not really considered before.
Chapter 4 is a fictional case study of how gendered socialization often plays out in real life. I found it to be very realistic --but felt that a concluding paragraph might have helped me understand what these stories were for. As it is, they just...ended and were never referred to again. And so...?
Chapters 5 to 7 offer suggestions and practical steps on how to overcome gendered socialization starting with the home and our personal lives. It also covers the wider societal spheres of church, work, and businesses, and how one can actively push back against gendered messaging, sometimes by just being persistently present.
I think I expected a little more exposition or teaching on what the Bible says about gender equality, but Howell's target appears to be egalitarian Christians; in talking about building a support network, Howell does advise readers to consider whether [a complementarian] church is the best place to serve, worship, and grow. It's also not written specifically to women--some of the suggestions cover how husbands can support their wives and work towards an equitable arrangement that ultimately allows both of them to live their callings.
While Buried Talents is written for Christians and is published by a Christian press, I felt that it could also be read and appreciated by a general readership that is working towards gender equality at work and in the home. Though there are some sections that are specifically targetted towards Christians and the church (especially in relation to pastoring or church leadership), almost everything else is generally applicable to pursuing gender equality and more women in positions of leadership: just exchange "God's call" for "dreams" or "ambitions".
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 19, 2022
Susan Harris Howell writes a fantastic analysis of the ways we socialize boys and girls differently--and the outcomes in adulthood. A psychologist and professor of gender studies, Howell deftly applies psychological research on gender socialization with therapeutic techniques to help readers overcome the stereotyped messages they received.
Howell writes that "the purpose of this book [is] to expose the subtle forms of socialization that pull women away from, and move men toward, leadership". Christian readers will appreciate the attention to how women are discouraged from pursuing leadership in ministry and how the Bible supports women's gifting and leadership in all spheres. "All institutions, the church included, will be better served if all people, women and men, bring the best of who we are to God's service."
As a psychologist myself, I appreciated Howell's chapter on creating more accurate self-perceptions. She applies cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) to help readers challenge their limiting beliefs, examine the evidence for these beliefs, and develop new beliefs. The book provides simple techniques from CBT that readers can apply for self-help. Howell ends the book by encouraging readers to build a support system congruent with their egalitarian beliefs and to pay it forward to mentoring and empowering the next generation.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in overcoming gendered messages and breaking free from constraining beliefs about gender. Parents, teachers, pastors, and professionals will all find helpful and applicable tools. Like a biblically-based Lean In, Buried Talents challenged me to continue raising my children free of gender stereotypes, to pursue leadership opportunities in my work, and to encourage other egalitarian women and men in my life.
Disclaimer: I was given an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. The author is a personal colleague of mine and I was interviewed for this book.
Howell writes that "the purpose of this book [is] to expose the subtle forms of socialization that pull women away from, and move men toward, leadership". Christian readers will appreciate the attention to how women are discouraged from pursuing leadership in ministry and how the Bible supports women's gifting and leadership in all spheres. "All institutions, the church included, will be better served if all people, women and men, bring the best of who we are to God's service."
As a psychologist myself, I appreciated Howell's chapter on creating more accurate self-perceptions. She applies cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) to help readers challenge their limiting beliefs, examine the evidence for these beliefs, and develop new beliefs. The book provides simple techniques from CBT that readers can apply for self-help. Howell ends the book by encouraging readers to build a support system congruent with their egalitarian beliefs and to pay it forward to mentoring and empowering the next generation.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in overcoming gendered messages and breaking free from constraining beliefs about gender. Parents, teachers, pastors, and professionals will all find helpful and applicable tools. Like a biblically-based Lean In, Buried Talents challenged me to continue raising my children free of gender stereotypes, to pursue leadership opportunities in my work, and to encourage other egalitarian women and men in my life.
Disclaimer: I was given an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. The author is a personal colleague of mine and I was interviewed for this book.
September 18, 2022
Buried Talents piqued my interest because I have been seeking to listen to women's voices and experiences. I want to overcome my inherent bias as someone who experiences the world as a man. Susan Harris Howell's call to overcome gendered socialization seemed like an excellent opportunity to do just that.
The core issue here is recognizing and responding to God's calling to ministry -- something that is often obfuscated by gender stereotypes and blocked by institutional prejudice.
The author's experience as a teacher shines through, as Buried Talents starts out by expertly running the reader through a master class in gender studies. While I know there is much more depth to be mined here, I also felt thoroughly familiarized with the basic intersection of gender studies and life in the church. It is important groundwork to be laid for the latter half of the book.
I found Buried Talents to be extremely informative and practically helpful. I'm glad I read it. Certainly any woman who is in the church would benefit from the read; even more, then men who are serving in the church will find value in broadening their perspective from the valuable information found within.
In the second part of the book, the author walks through practical steps that can be taken for women who have been called into Christian service and are facing gender-based roadblocks. This section reads primarily for women (as well it should), but it is incredibly helpful context for men who want to ensure they are at the very least not a hindrance to God's call on another -- and hopefully are being proactive in their support of clearing the way for women to respond to God's call.
The core issue here is recognizing and responding to God's calling to ministry -- something that is often obfuscated by gender stereotypes and blocked by institutional prejudice.
The author's experience as a teacher shines through, as Buried Talents starts out by expertly running the reader through a master class in gender studies. While I know there is much more depth to be mined here, I also felt thoroughly familiarized with the basic intersection of gender studies and life in the church. It is important groundwork to be laid for the latter half of the book.
I found Buried Talents to be extremely informative and practically helpful. I'm glad I read it. Certainly any woman who is in the church would benefit from the read; even more, then men who are serving in the church will find value in broadening their perspective from the valuable information found within.
In the second part of the book, the author walks through practical steps that can be taken for women who have been called into Christian service and are facing gender-based roadblocks. This section reads primarily for women (as well it should), but it is incredibly helpful context for men who want to ensure they are at the very least not a hindrance to God's call on another -- and hopefully are being proactive in their support of clearing the way for women to respond to God's call.
June 29, 2022
Really helpful for having us think about how boys and girls are gendered in the Church.
May 6, 2022
Buried Talents
Overcoming Gendered Socialization to Answer God's Call
by Susan Harris Howell
Pub Date 26 Apr 2022
InterVarsity Press, IVP Academic
Christian | Nonfiction (Adult) | Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of Buried Talents through InterVarsity Press, IVP Academic and Netgalley:
If a woman is being called to lead what's holding them back? For years Susan Harris Howell has helped students investigate this question.
In Buried Talents, she makes clear how gender disparity in leadership is directly connected to a larger, less overt issue: gendered socialization. Howell examines gendered messages people encounter inside and outside the church in each stage of life, showing how they often create misconceptions about who women are, what they're capable of, and how they fit into God's work. As these messages pull men toward leadership, they push women away from it.
This book reminds us that God’s call to leadership doesn't come in a vacuum. It comes to particular people who have, from childhood through adulthood, been shaped by subtle forms of socialization. Using social science research and interviews to explain these forces, Howell offers psychological and practical tools for both women and men to make more balanced vocational decisions.
I give Buried Talents five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Overcoming Gendered Socialization to Answer God's Call
by Susan Harris Howell
Pub Date 26 Apr 2022
InterVarsity Press, IVP Academic
Christian | Nonfiction (Adult) | Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of Buried Talents through InterVarsity Press, IVP Academic and Netgalley:
If a woman is being called to lead what's holding them back? For years Susan Harris Howell has helped students investigate this question.
In Buried Talents, she makes clear how gender disparity in leadership is directly connected to a larger, less overt issue: gendered socialization. Howell examines gendered messages people encounter inside and outside the church in each stage of life, showing how they often create misconceptions about who women are, what they're capable of, and how they fit into God's work. As these messages pull men toward leadership, they push women away from it.
This book reminds us that God’s call to leadership doesn't come in a vacuum. It comes to particular people who have, from childhood through adulthood, been shaped by subtle forms of socialization. Using social science research and interviews to explain these forces, Howell offers psychological and practical tools for both women and men to make more balanced vocational decisions.
I give Buried Talents five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
March 28, 2023
I've looked forward to reading this book since before it was published because my best friend was a research assistant for it. I am definitely proud of her efforts. The book included a lot of research and, in turn, an extensive bibliography and a list of recommended readings.
But, I felt like there was a massive hole in the author's use of support and research. The author's studies are related to psychology and gender, so it made sense that she focused on those topics. However, I found it disappointing that the author made the connection between her area of expertise, God's call, and church leadership while using practically no references to the Bible. The title "Buried Talents" led me to open the book assuming that there would be at least a reference to the biblical parable of the talents (and the denouncement of the man who buried his one talent). I didn't find that, scriptures that encouraged women, biblical stories of women who followed God's lead, or scriptural evidence that supported or opposed complementarianism and egalitarianism. The foreword (written by someone else) did start to create a biblical precedent for the book, but that's where it ended. Since the Bible is the foundation of truth and God is the one who calls us, I wanted to see the Bible have a larger voice in the book. It would have made it really hit home for me.
But, I felt like there was a massive hole in the author's use of support and research. The author's studies are related to psychology and gender, so it made sense that she focused on those topics. However, I found it disappointing that the author made the connection between her area of expertise, God's call, and church leadership while using practically no references to the Bible. The title "Buried Talents" led me to open the book assuming that there would be at least a reference to the biblical parable of the talents (and the denouncement of the man who buried his one talent). I didn't find that, scriptures that encouraged women, biblical stories of women who followed God's lead, or scriptural evidence that supported or opposed complementarianism and egalitarianism. The foreword (written by someone else) did start to create a biblical precedent for the book, but that's where it ended. Since the Bible is the foundation of truth and God is the one who calls us, I wanted to see the Bible have a larger voice in the book. It would have made it really hit home for me.
May 19, 2022
Susan Harris Howell writes a fantastic analysis of the ways we socialize boys and girls differently--and the outcomes in adulthood. A psychologist and professor of gender studies, Howell deftly applies psychological research on gender socialization with therapeutic techniques to help readers overcome the stereotyped messages they received.
Howell writes that "the purpose of this book [is] to expose the subtle forms of socialization that pull women away from, and move men toward, leadership". Christian readers will appreciate the attention to how women are discouraged from pursuing leadership in ministry and how the Bible supports women's gifting and leadership in all spheres. "All institutions, the church included, will be better served if all people, women and men, bring the best of who we are to God's service."
As a psychologist myself, I appreciated Howell's chapter on creating more accurate self-perceptions. She applies cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) to help readers challenge their limiting beliefs, examine the evidence for these beliefs, and develop new beliefs. The book provides simple techniques from CBT that readers can apply for self-help. Howell ends the book by encouraging readers to build a support system congruent with their egalitarian beliefs and to pay it forward to mentoring and empowering the next generation.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in overcoming gendered messages and breaking free from constraining beliefs about gender. Parents, teachers, pastors, and professionals will all find helpful and applicable tools. Like a biblically-based Lean In, Buried Talents challenged me to continue raising my children free of gender stereotypes, to pursue leadership opportunities in my work, and to encourage other egalitarian women and men in my life.
Disclaimer: I was given an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. The author is a personal colleague of mine and I was interviewed for this book.
Howell writes that "the purpose of this book [is] to expose the subtle forms of socialization that pull women away from, and move men toward, leadership". Christian readers will appreciate the attention to how women are discouraged from pursuing leadership in ministry and how the Bible supports women's gifting and leadership in all spheres. "All institutions, the church included, will be better served if all people, women and men, bring the best of who we are to God's service."
As a psychologist myself, I appreciated Howell's chapter on creating more accurate self-perceptions. She applies cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) to help readers challenge their limiting beliefs, examine the evidence for these beliefs, and develop new beliefs. The book provides simple techniques from CBT that readers can apply for self-help. Howell ends the book by encouraging readers to build a support system congruent with their egalitarian beliefs and to pay it forward to mentoring and empowering the next generation.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in overcoming gendered messages and breaking free from constraining beliefs about gender. Parents, teachers, pastors, and professionals will all find helpful and applicable tools. Like a biblically-based Lean In, Buried Talents challenged me to continue raising my children free of gender stereotypes, to pursue leadership opportunities in my work, and to encourage other egalitarian women and men in my life.
Disclaimer: I was given an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. The author is a personal colleague of mine and I was interviewed for this book.
July 28, 2023
I think this book does bring up a few good points. However, at times I feel there is nitpicking going on.
A mother telling her daughter that she too wasn't good at math is to comfort a child. It does not downplay her ability.
A lot of these examples that are brought up cannot be put into cookie-cutter shapes. People have different experiences and thoughts.
The author mentions on page 12 that a child said she wanted to be the wife of a president. You miss the fact that the wife can pull strings that others could not. That's some logical thinking.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
A mother telling her daughter that she too wasn't good at math is to comfort a child. It does not downplay her ability.
A lot of these examples that are brought up cannot be put into cookie-cutter shapes. People have different experiences and thoughts.
The author mentions on page 12 that a child said she wanted to be the wife of a president. You miss the fact that the wife can pull strings that others could not. That's some logical thinking.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews