With some exceptions based on region, there is definitely a distinct political identity among LDS voters in America. This identity has several possible causes, which supports a primordialist theory of political identity.
While some Mormons associate with ideals held by the Democratic party, LDS Americans have a largely conservative political identity. A study by the Pew Research Center identified that 74 percent of Mormon voters support the Republican Party, with 17 percent supporting the Democratic party. Furthermore, while only 37 percent of Americans identify themselves as conservative, almost 66 percent of Mormons consider themselves as such (Pew Forum, 2012). In addition, Adam Brown posted research on the Utah Data Points blog about public opinion on Mormons who are Democrats. The study, based on exit poll data in a Utah House election, asked the question, "Can a good Mormon be a good Democrat?" Eleven percent of "very active" Mormons and nineteen percent of "less active" Mormons said that faith in the LDS church disqualified a person from professing preference to the Democratic party (Brown, 2010). This study further reinforces the political identity of Mormons, and especially Mormons in Utah.
This strong political bias has several causes. One explanation might come from the early years of the church. When the early members of the church arrived in Utah, they needed to build a civilization from scratch, with no help from the federal government. American conservatives generally support a "hands-off" approach to government, instead trusting in the free market and local community for economic growth. 75 percent of modern-day Mormon voters support a smaller government (Pew Forum, 2012). This historical bias which promotes hard labor and self-promotion could still be affecting LDS political decisions today.
Another cause could be rooted in the denunciation of socialism and communism by LDS church leaders during the Cold War. Several general authorities, including a handful of apostles, were very vocal in their condemnation of extreme government control during the Cold War. I have had conversations with several members of the church who have extrapolated this doctrine to apply to the Democratic Party, including non-neutral political discourse during church meetings or lessons. Some members of my home ward frequently send out chain emails which delare various Democratic politicians as being inspired by the devil (much to the chagrin of my mother). These community beliefs affect political identity in a still-visable way.
The example of Mormon political identity is a good illustration of primordial theory. This theory "emphasizes kinship bonds - literal or metaphorical - as the building blocks of identity" (Samuels, 160). The two causes listed above are examples of voters' political identity being formed during the early years of their lives thanks to tradition and cultural influences. Many members of the church are "born in the covenant" and grow up in a conservative family atmosphere, a conservative ward and stake, and, in some cases, a conservative Mormon community like Utah or Idaho. These identities, based in historical or doctrinal decisions, are "imprinted" on the person and are transferred to future generations (Samuels, 160).
Mormon Americans have a largely conservative political identity, which has roots in the LDS Church's historical and doctrinal past. These causes suggest the validity of primordial theory in explaining these voters' polticial choices.
REFERENCES
Brown, Adam. 2010. Can a good Mormon be a good Democrat? Utah Data Points. http://utahdatapoints.com/2010/12/can-a-good-mormon-be-a-good-democrat/ (accessed October 10, 2012).
Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. 2012. Mormons in America. January 12. http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america.aspx (accessed October 10, 2012).
Samuels, David J. 2013. Comparative Politics. Minneapolis: Pearson Education.
I really like your reasons, pointing back to the church's history of the denunciation of Communism and Socialism and our country's founding, as contributing to the Mormon Republican political identity. I also like how you mentioned the demonizing that is prevalent in some extreme Mormon ways of thinking in order to protect their political identity.
ReplyDeleteThe use of history as an example of how the political identity is primoridal really supports your argument. Where I disagree is your use of the statistics from Utah Data Points. While about 11 percent of Less active and even fewer active members said that you couldn't be a good mormon and a good democrat, over 80 percent said that you could. I agree that there is a Republican bias here in Utah, but I don't believe that it is purely based on the dominance of the LDS faith, or that being LDS means you are engrained to be Republican.
ReplyDeleteI like how you pointed out from pioneer history that Mormon's generally favor a "hands off" approach and smaller role of government. I think this is a huge factor in determining political identity. A lot of Mormon's believe in being very independent, self sufficient, and working hard to achieve success, with little or no help from the government. This smaller and limited government belief usually aligns more closely with the Republican Party. I think the role of government and social issues (gay marriage and abortion) are some of the most important issues for Latter-day Saints, and that's why about 3/4 are Republicans.
ReplyDeleteI like your argument; it was very different than the others that I read. I never thought about how the Mormons had to build up their community in Utah with no help at all. Good blog!
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