Item Detail
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16638
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3
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0
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English
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The Mormon Practice of Plural Marriage : The Social Construction of Religious Identity and Commitment
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Religion and the Social Order : Sex, Lies, and Sanctity : Religion and Deviance in Contemporary America
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Greenwood, Conn.
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JAI Press
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13-35
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[1996 Mormon Historical Association Winner for Article Award of Excellence]
Describes how common polygamy was among late 19th century Mormons, why so many women were willing to enter into plural marriage, and whit it was like to be a plural wife. This description of women's expressions is based on an analysis of th 1860 censuse of three wards in Salt Lake City, as well as the diaries, letters, autobiographies, and reminiscences of women who were plural wives. It reveals how social mahcanisms frame individual behavior. Social status, econoic considerations, and the wish to obtain eternal salvation motivated both women and men to enter into a principle they understoond was dictated by God.