Brian Perez

Blog 5

                Many theories exist that are used to describe how an individual develops his or her own political views. Religion is an especially important factor to consider when looking at the origins of someone’s political identity. The Latter-day Saint identity, for example, is extremely strong in the United States among members of the church. The primordialist theory can explain the strength of the LDS political influence.

                The influence of LDS beliefs extends greatly into the making of political decisions. One survey has shown that six in ten Mormons consider themselves conservative, while only one in ten consider himself to be liberal ("US News"). According to Gallup polls, approximately 31% of people in the general population identify as Democrats, and 27% are Republicans ("Gallup Politics"). The difference is very clear. Members of the Latter-day Saint church, compared to the average population, are more likely to be conservatives. Additionally, 65% of Mormons stated that homosexuality should be discouraged by society, while 58% of Americans say it should be embraced ("New York Times"). When Proposition 8 was voted on in California four years ago, the finances and volunteers from the LDS church may have tipped the balance in favor of the amendment ("New York Times"). The stance of the church is strongly against homosexuality, and a majority of members align themselves with the leaders of the church. With regards to this issue and many others, Mormons often support the political stance of the church. The LDS church is a huge source of political identity.

The situation of the Mormon political identity is an interesting mix between primordialist and constructionist theories. Influence and affiliation begins when Mormon children are very young, demonstrating Primordialism. However, trust in the leaders’ decisions, which are believed to be divinely inspired, is so strong that many members would change their position on certain issues if the prophet or apostles issued a new statement. This demonstrates strong Constructivism. Both the early development and relative malleability of the political identity are shown. In all, the primordialist theory explains the situation better. While political beliefs may be affected based on a view given by a high-ranking leader in the church, the faith and trust in the leaders develops at a young age. Constructivism explains the flexibility of beliefs, but Primordialism explains why the flexibility exists in the first place. This blend of theories is unlikely to exist in other situations where a divine factor is not involved.

                The best way to describe the development of the LDS political identity in an individual is by using a primordialist theory. Primordialism states that political identities are acquired early on in a person’s life (“Samuels 153”). For those who have grown up in the LDS church, Primordialism describes the situation exactly. The excellent nursery and primary programs, which teach Mormon children doctrine-centric standards at a young age, involve the children in the church while they are young. Heavy involvement and participation continue through the teenage years and into adulthood. Though political ideals are not taught as a part of church doctrine, it cannot be said that the church is not a large part of active Mormons’ lives. Members of the church have a great trust in and love for their leaders. This includes members who were born into the church as well as those who have been converted to LDS beliefs. Therefore, when the leaders of the church make a statement about a controversial issue such as gay marriage or abortion, the members are likely to go along with the church’s stance on the issue. Though political beliefs themselves don’t develop at a young age in Mormon youth, an identity that will eventually be strong enough to affect political decisions does.