Assumption Quote by Leonard J. Arrington
“The response of the men who were introduced into polygamy between 1841 and 1846 was anything but enthusiastic. The same was true of the women who were offered the chance of becoming plural wives. Apart from the fact that the new system collided with moral assumptions they had grown up with, there were practical difficulties that made polygamy less attractive. For the men to support additional wives was seldom easy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Mormon Experience, Leonard J. Arrington, 1979
Early members of a polygamous community reacted with reluctance due to moral conflict and practical hardships, especially financial strain on men.
In simple terms: Polygamy faced moral and practical resistance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the complexities of imposing new social structures.
Themes
polygamy
community
morality
economics
history
Mood
critical
historical
Type
analytical
informative
When to use this quote
- settlement formation
- family planning
- religious reform
Key Concepts
social norms
family dynamics
financial burden
Questions to Reflect On
- What economic challenges made polygamy difficult?
- How did moral beliefs shape responses?
A Different Perspective
May understate individual agency in acceptance.
![“...Both Elizabeth [Smart] and Ruby [Jessop] were fourteen when they were kidnapped, raped and "kept captive by polygamous fanatics." The main difference in the girls' respective ordeals...is that "Elizabeth was brainwashed for nine months," while Ruby had been brainwashed by polygamist fanatics…” quote by Jon Krakauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bfa/jon-krakauer-1557_crimes-and-punishmen_both-elizabeth-smart-and-ruby-jessop-wer_300466.jpg)
