Why did God choose to make us male and female? And what are the consequences of that decision?
—1987 Synod of Bishops on the Vocation and Mission of the Laity in the Church and in the World
Institute for the Study of Man and Woman
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Make a Gift View Free ResourcesOur Mission
The mission of the Institute for the Study of Man and Woman is to pursue a robust, coherent account of the nature of man and woman—both in themselves and in relation to one another.
In pursuing this mission, we are following the teaching of Pope St. John Paul II who told us in Christifideles laici that understanding what it means to be a man or a woman requires a “more penetrating and accurate consideration of the anthropological foundation for masculinity and femininity.”
Our research incorporates both theology and philosophy, as well as biology, neuroscience, the social sciences, and family studies. We explore who man and woman are, their identities, their genius, and their mission—and the implications of that for the family, the Church, and society.
The Why
Today, too many people are confused about their God-given identity, which has led to tragic consequences for our culture. Humanity’s future depends on helping men and women arrive at a deeper understanding of who they are.
To bring clarity to this crisis, the Institute for the Study of Man and Woman investigates the nature of both man and woman since they cannot be understood apart from each other. We pursue a robust, coherent, and grounded account of man and woman, their identities, their complementarity, and their mission.
What We Do
The institute’s mission is two-fold: research and education.
ResearchFirst, we engage in interdisciplinary research into the nature of man and woman, their identities, their genius, and their mission in the Church and world. To that end, we also plan to create a cross-curriculum degree program at Franciscan University that includes courses in philosophy, theology, biology, psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and family studies.
EducationWe organize and sponsor events, workshops, and symposia to share the results of our research with the larger community. Topics addressed include the meaning of the human person, family life, and the need to encourage economic, social, and cultural institutions that more fully respect the human person.
“To this ‘unity of the two’ God has entrusted not only the work of procreation and family life, but the creation of history itself.”
—Pope St. John Paul II, Letter to Women
Engaging the Most Pressing Issues of Our Time
Watch the Man and Woman in the Order of Creation Conference (Fall 2024), where the Institute’s work comes to life through thought-provoking discussions on the nature of man and woman and their role in the Church, family, and society.
Leadership
Director
Dr. Deborah Savage
Dr. Deborah Savage is a theology professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Previously, she taught philosophy and theology at the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity at the University of St. Thomas. She received her doctorate in religious studies from Marquette University in 2005. Her recent research has been focused on the development of a robust theology of the nature of man and woman, both their identities and their distinct and complementary missions in the world. For more information, visit her bio.
Our patron saint is St. Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church, whose great influence was due to her abiding love for souls.
St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us!
Contact
Dr. Deborah Savage
Faculty Fellow
Director, Man and Woman Institute
Franciscan University of Steubenville