Negotiating Conflicting Identities: The Case of Mormon Feminists

• In Event: 308 - Section on Sociology of Sex and Gender Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 05. Gender, Sexuality, and Identity: Session III

Abstract

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon) is known to be a conservative and patriarchal religious institution. Despite the Church’s promotion of unequal gender roles, lack of female leadership, and strong stance against LGBT inclusion, an increasing number of Mormons are identifying as feminists. How do people who identify as Mormon feminist negotiate these seemingly conflicting identities? Based on interviews with 21 self-identified Mormon feminists, my project finds that participants interpret Mormonism to fit feminism, interpret feminism to fit Mormonism, or decide to leave the Mormon Church. My findings, which are similar to sociological studies of both Catholic and Jewish feminists, suggest that there is similarity in identity negotiations among self-identified feminists who are involved in traditionally conservative religious traditions.

Author

• Rebecca Barton, Brandeis University