LDS Political Identity

Individuals characterize themselves and each other through various political identities.  This stratagem helps to determine the perception of how one fits into the community and the impact one’s group has in the political arena.  Two main ideas provide the foundation for modern theories: the ideas of Karl Marx and Max Weber.  Marx suggests that one’s economic status proves the primary factor in personal and collective political identity; however, Weber deems cultural factors more important.  Two modern interpretations grew from these ideas: primordialism and constructivism.  The former believes that one’s political identity is natural and inborn while the latter holds that it evolves[1].  These two paths provide the main basis for modern studies of political identities.

            For one to have a political identity, one must categorize people into groups.  To illustrate this point, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has its own political identity.  A distinct LDS political identity pervades through members throughout the United States.  Though not true for all members, most Mormons tend toward a more American conservative stance toward Republicanism.  In a June 2012 survey by Utah Data Points, eighty-three percent of Mormons, when asked about their excitement over Mitt Romney’s candidacy, responded either very or somewhat excited[2].  Even among LDS Democrats, Mitt Romney has a twenty-three percent approval rating, compared to President Obama’s five percent with Republicans[3].  These figures suggest a correlation with a Church political identity.

            Despite the LDS Church’s vocalized politically neutral stance, church members tend to favor one side over the other.  Many factors could cause this presence.  First, religious belief learned from youth helps develop a sense of social conservatism.  This growth occurs through beliefs in strong family values and pro-life leanings, morals shared with the Republican Party.  Second, strongly held ideas concerning agency support the idea of self-determination and limited government.  Finally, stress on personal responsibility and less wasteful spending strengthens the LDS tendency toward conservatism.  Not all LDS individuals follow this trend; however, it can help draw conclusions concerning the two main theories.

            The tendency toward following religious beliefs favors the idea of primordialism.  This theory states that aspects of one’s culture influences political identity; in this case, religion is the deciding factor.  Those born into the LDS Church grow up learning certain values which influence the way one views the world.  The primordialist idea points to yet another influencing aspect: the kinship bond.  The kinship bond is a connection to others by family relation or shared cultural connections[4].  In this instance, Latter-day Saints share a common culture, resulting in a deep connection between members.  This connection helps give the group a sense of place; the collective will push for common ideas.  Despite these points, however, primordialism fails to account for some basic principles.  First, it fails to account for the beginnings of this identity; why do the LDS identify with that group and not another?  Second, what is the meaning of this specific political identity?  How did it develop?  Finally, it fails to account for choice. 

            The second theory, constructivism, believes that political identity changes and develops.  Though Mormons may tend toward conservatism, many LDS hold membership in the Democratic Party.  They interpret doctrine differently or focus on different points than Republicans, influencing their decision making in another manner.  This fact displays a conscious political choice; these Mormon Democrats changed from the norm.  LDS converts also support this constructivist idea.  Many converts to the LDS Church were not raised with standards the Church holds dear; as a result, these people may have different world views.  However, similar to primordialism, constructivism fails to identify how these identities develop. 

            A definite LDS political identity exists among Church members.  A conservative trend runs through most members; however, some Mormons do favor the Democrats.  Once one group allows religion or any other cultural aspect to define political identity, the primordialist theory grows; in this case, Latter-day Saints tend to follow a more conservative route.  However, any variations to the norm give rise to the constructivist theory; the deviations, in this case, Mormon Democrats and converts.  Whether natural or by choice, the LDS political identity continues to take shape.

Works Cited

Monson, Quin. "Do LDS Dems like Mitt Romney?" Utah Data Points, 22 Aug. 2012. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. <http://utahdatapoints.com/2012/08/do-lds-dems-like-mitt-romney/>.

Patterson, Kelly. "What Do Mormons Think about Governor Romney's Candidacy?" Utah Data Points, 25 June 2012. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. <http://utahdatapoints.com/2012/06/what-do-mormons-think-about-governor-romneys-candidacy/>.

Samuels, David J. "Chapter 6: Political Identity." Comparative Politics. N.p.: Pearson Education, 2012. N. pag. Print.

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[1] David J. Samuels, Comparative Politics

[2] Utah Data Points, “What do Mormons think about Mitt Romney’s candidacy?”

[3] Utah Data Points, “Do LDS Dems like Mitt Romney?”

[4] David J. Samuels, Comparative Politics