Secrets of the self: the reconceptualization of gender-role identity in contemporary Latter-day Saint women

Abstract

<p>This dissertation focuses on the resolution of gender role conflict in female members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Contemporary women are faced with contradictory pressures as they strive to develop gender-role identity. As a highly patriarchal religion, cultural pressures within the LDS church increase the paradox surrounding gender roles as women are encouraged to follow traditional gender role patterns. Women with ambitions and talents that do not fall within traditional role expectations are challenged to develop independent conceptions of their gender-role identity. Paradox in gender-roles and gender-role identity results in fragmenting of the self as women strive to find balance between their religious teachings and their sense of self. Personal conflict is resolved as women develop gender-role identities based on personal knowledge, study, and revelation. This research focuses on two contemporary LDS women and has been carried out using case study and oral history methodology;As an active, lifelong member of the LDS church and a woman, I also explore issues surrounding subjectivity in insider research. Additionally arts-based research is used as a method of representation in the form of two one woman, one act plays. Arts-based inquiry as a form of methodology is also discussed.</p>