Skip to content
Howell

Buried Talents: Overcoming Gendered Socialization to Answer God’s Call

Appearance Date: 10/29/2022

Buried Talents exposes the subtle forms of socialization that often go unnoticed but serve to pull women away from leadership – both within the church and in other male-dominated occupations. The first three chapters explore the areas in which socialization occurs: toy selection, chore assignments, media messages, teachers’ expectations for student success, and identity development. The last part of the book focuses on ways to deconstruct the inaccurate messages we have received, build a healthy support system, and make changes for the next generation of women and men.

About the Author

Dr. Susan Howell is a psychologist on faculty at Campbellsville University where she teaches courses in gender studies and the integration of faith and psychological science. She has published extensively on gendered socialization and its impact for women within their families, society, and the church. Much of her work has been published by the Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) organization and can be accessed through their website (cbeinternational.org). Most recently, her book, Buried Talents: Overcoming Gendered Socialization to Answer God’s Call, extends her focus to the subtle ways women are discouraged from entering any male-dominated occupation.
Her passion is in helping students and readers recognize the impact gendered socialization has for the decisions they make, particularly those which impact their occupational choices. She strives to broaden their perceptions of what they are capable of pursuing, so they feel freer to follow their call rather than the gendered restrictions too often imposed by others.

Susan and her husband, a Baptist minister, have worked within the church throughout their forty years of marriage to create more inclusive communities in the congregations they have served. During that time, they have consistently raised awareness and advocated for equality between women and men in each sphere of life.

While she is a frequent speaker at conferences, she is also available to speak to colleges groups and churches, and participate in podcasts, webinars, and book discussion groups.

Susan Howell