Blog 5: Political Identity

            The upcoming election is a monumental one because it marks the first time in history that a member of the LDS church has won the nomination for a major political party and has a chance to be elected as the president of the United States.  Because of this some might wonder if there is a distinct LDS political identity here in the United States.  As defined in class, political identity is, “something that becomes so central to us that it shapes our political decisions-how we vote, where we stand on issues, who we listen to, and essentially is an identity that significantly shapes our political decisions, especially when it is the most important identity to do so” (Prof. Hawkins).  There is indeed an LDS political identity in the United States because the church is such a high priority and central focus in peoples’ lives that ultimately it will shape the way LDS members make their political decisions.

            The state of Utah is a prime example that proves that there is a distinct LDS political identity.  Utah has long had the reputation of being a republican state dominated by a conservative way of thinking.  This is no coincidence.  A large part of the population in the state of Utah is made up of LDS members who are taught throughout their lives to be very conservative and thrifty with their money.  The principles learned in church are so emphasized that they carry over to the way people live and think on a day-to-day basis. 

            For people who are born into the church and have very active families, the primordialist argument is a very legitimate and convincing one.  “Primordialism assumes that identities are something people are born with or that emerge through deep psychological processes in early childhood, given one’s family and community context” (Samuels 153).  The fundamental beliefs and principles of the LDS faith are taught to children at a very young age in primary and Sunday school.  Being a member of the church and being a part of a particular ward is much like being a part of a special family or community of people who live their lives based on similar principles.  There are many people in the church who would vote for Mitt Romney in the upcoming election, simply because he is a Mormon and they feel a special bond or connection to him because of it.  Without even knowing his political views or stances he would gain their vote simply by sharing a similar identity in being Mormon.  According to a recent poll regarding Mitt Romney’s candidacy and potential presidential nomination, 84% of Mormons expressed to being either very excited or somewhat excited when asked how they felt about Mitt Romney’s candidacy.  In a similar poll, 77.4% of Mormons expressed that Mitt Romney’s candidacy and presidential campaign is a “good thing” for the nation and the church itself (utahdatapoints.com). These polls go to show that members overall are very excited and support Mitt Romney in his quest to becoming the first Mormon president.

            Although primordialism is a convincing argument, constructivism in this case is also a very legitimate argument.  “Constructivism assumes that political identities are malleable, even if they often appear to be primordial, and suggest that we think of identity as an evolving political process rather than as a fixed set of identity categories” (Samuels 153).  The LDS faith is one of the fastest growing religions in the world because of the large number converts who join the church later in life and didn’t necessarily grow up being taught the principles are doctrines of the LDS faith.  But these are things that people can adapt to and eventually adopt as their own beliefs when they become part of the community of members who are so passionate and devout about what they believe. 

            LDS members are extremely loyal people whose values and beliefs reflect who they are and how they live.  These ideas are so deep in their hearts that ultimately they will determine their political decisions. 

-Mike Edmunds

                                                                Works Cited

Samuels, David J. “Comparative Politics.” Pg 153

http://utahdatapoints.com/2012/06/what-do-mormons-think-about-governor-romneys-candidacy/. Utah Data Points. Kelly Patterson. June 25,2012.