Matters of Conscience: Conversations with Sterling M. McMurnn on Philosophy, Education, and Religion

Latter-day Saint Women and Leadership: The Influence of Their Religious Worldview

“…Based on LDS doctrine, teachings, and values, there are four broad perspectives of development that LDS women may consciously and unconsciously consider regarding leadership, leadership development, and leadership education: (1) an eternal perspective, (2) a motherhood perspective, (3) a community perspective, and (4) a personal revelation perspective. Some exploratory evidence confirms that there are differences between doctrine and culture, at least as it is practiced in Utah (Madsen & Hanewicz, 2011a). However, although scholarly research is limited on LDS women more broadly, there are at least some publications on Mormon women in Utah that may be useful for this discussion.…”

“…As previously mentioned, one study found that LDS women in Utah did not believe they could integrate life roles-that, if they were a mother, they needed to be a full-time mother and not finish college, serve in society, or work outside the home (Madsen & Hanewicz, 2011a). Therefore, they did not believe they could or should become leaders.…”

“…For example, Utah women are less likely to graduate from college, particularly at the bachelor's degree level and higher, than other women across the U.S. (Madsen & Sarin, 2013). One in-depth mixed-methods study found that some LDS women reject formal and informal educational opportunities when they become mothers-and that these women do not understand the value of completing their degrees (Madsen & Hanewicz, 2011a). Researchers (Madsen & Hanewicz, 2011a) also found that many Utah women in their sample did not believe they could or should integrate roles, such as mother, student, employee, and community volunteer.…”

“…One in-depth mixed-methods study found that some LDS women reject formal and informal educational opportunities when they become mothers-and that these women do not understand the value of completing their degrees (Madsen & Hanewicz, 2011a). Researchers (Madsen & Hanewicz, 2011a) also found that many Utah women in their sample did not believe they could or should integrate roles, such as mother, student, employee, and community volunteer. However, the pulpit sometimes contradicts the Utah culture; in recent decades, church leaders have encouraged women to attend and complete college (e.g., Hinckley, 2001).…”