Women and Mormonism: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

How do women who are members of a church with a predominately patriarchal power structure experience personal agency in formal religious settings, in intimate relationships, publicly, and individually? From Jane Manning James, an African American woman who found empowerment and strength in Mormon ritual despite suffering exclusion based on her race, to contemporary church members who are more likely to prioritize personal revelation than hierarchy, Mormon women have answered this question in a numerous ways.

This engaging and seminal volume employs vivid primary documents, candid surveys, and illuminating oral histories to explore the perspectives of Latter-day Saint women. Contributors include lay members and prominent scholars in multiple disciplines, including both LDS and non-LDS viewpoints.