Life in Modern Fundamentalist Polygamous Communities
Explore the daily realities, social structures, and unique challenges faced by individuals living in fundamentalist polygamous communities in North America today.
- These communities practice plural marriage, distinct from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Life is often structured by strict religious doctrine, patriarchal leadership, and an emphasis on large families.
- Members typically live in isolated, self-sufficient communities with limited outside interaction.
- The practice raises complex legal, ethical, and human rights concerns, particularly for women and children.
Fundamentalist polygamous communities are groups, primarily in the Western United States and Canada, who continue to practice plural marriage, believing it to be a religious commandment. They are distinct from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), which officially discontinued polygamy in 1890 and excommunicates members who practice it. These communities often base their beliefs on early Mormon doctrines and scriptures, interpreting them as requiring plural marriage for salvation.
How These Communities Are Structured
Most fundamentalist polygamous communities are highly structured, often centered around a charismatic male leader or "prophet" who interprets scripture and dictates community rules. Authority is typically patriarchal, with men holding primary decision-making power in both religious and family matters. Families are often large, with one man married to multiple women, and children are raised within this framework, often with a strong emphasis on religious instruction and adherence to group norms.
Daily Life and Social Norms
Daily life often emphasizes self-sufficiency, hard work, and limited interaction with the outside world. Many communities operate their own schools, businesses, and social services, fostering a sense of insularity. Women traditionally take on roles focused on homemaking, child-rearing, and supporting their husbands, while men are often involved in leadership, providing for the family, and community maintenance. Social interactions are largely confined to community members, and strict dress codes, moral guidelines, and behavioral expectations are common.
The existence of fundamentalist polygamous communities matters because it brings to light complex intersections of religious freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Issues such as child marriage, abuse, exploitation, and financial fraud have been documented in some of these groups, leading to legal interventions and public scrutiny. For individuals, particularly women and children, life within these communities can present unique challenges related to autonomy, education, healthcare, and integration into broader society, making the question of when and how to intervene a continuous societal concern.
