Sisters Not Wives

Did Polygamy Build Utah's Fortune or Destroy it? #22 Sisters Not Wives


Listen Later

In this episode, we dig into the real economics of polygamy in early Mormon Utah. For years, people have argued about why plural marriage existed—some claim it was about caring for widows, others say it was purely religious devotion. But what do the actual economic studies and historical records say?

We explore research on wealth distribution, household labor, and legal issues in 19th-century Utah to understand how plural marriage really affected families. Did wealth impact polygamy or the other way around? And how did the structure of plural marriage shape opportunity, labor, and survival in frontier communities?

Along the way, we take a few thoughtful detours into topics that still resonate today:
• The culture of confession 
• Therapy training for bishops and stake presidents
• The psychology of guilt and shame
• Why human beings often internalize moral pressure in powerful ways

This episode mixes historical data, social science, and personal reflection as we ask a bigger question: what happens when religious systems intersect with economics, power, and human nature?

If you enjoy deep dives into Mormon history that go beyond the usual talking points, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Listen now and join the discussion.

#SistersNotWives #MormonHistory #Polygamy #UtahHistory #ReligiousHistory #MormonStudies #LDSHistory #StillMormon #ExMormon #ChurchHistory #FaithAndPower #HistoricalResearch #ReligionAndEconomics #PolygamyDebate

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Sisters Not WivesBy Kensley and Joslyn Hatch