The Reality of Polygamy in Fundamentalist "Mormon" Communities: Unmarried Men and Forced Exile

In discussions surrounding polygamy, particularly within certain fundamentalist "Mormon" communities, a common concern arises: if some men take more than one wife, do others, predominantly young men, find themselves without any marital partners? This article delves into the realities faced by these communities, focusing on the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) and other small sects that adhere to polygamous practices.

Understanding Polygamy in FLDS and Other Fundamentalist Groups

While mainstream The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) abandoned the practice of polygamy in 1890, some fundamentalist groups continue to uphold these traditions. The FLDS, for instance, is a sect that maintains these practices while forming tightly knit communities. These communities are characterized by strong controls over members, including marriage and age restrictions.

The Numerical Challenge and Forced Exile

From a numerical standpoint, polygamy poses significant challenges. With the natural birth rate of approximately 50.1 males to 49.9 females, the number of women is fundamentally limited, especially in closed communities. This scarcity often leads to a situation where some men face the stark reality of having multiple wives, while others are left single. In the FLDS, many young men have been referred to as "The Lost Boys," indicating they have been forced out of their towns and church communities. These men are not followers of Peter Pan but rather young men who have been displaced to ensure that older men can marry younger women.

Why Forced Exile Occurs

#1: Excess Men in Closed SocietiesIn these closed communities, the community leaders often ensure that there are more males than females to maintain control and adhere to their religious and social practices. This can result in a surplus of unmarried young men, particularly those younger than 16. When the number of available females dwindles, these young men are either forced out or leave voluntarily to seek better opportunities.

#2: Church Leaders' RoleChurch leaders within these communities have the authority to enforce strict rules and sometimes forcibly exile young men who do not conform to their expectations or practices. These men may be seen as too young or too independent to maintain the social order and are thus removed to protect the interests of the community.

Impact and Consequences

The consequences of these practices extend beyond the scope of the community. Young men forced out are often left to struggle in mainstream society. They may face societal stigma, lack of support, and difficulties in finding jobs or forming stable relationships. This displacement has profound effects on their mental and emotional well-being.

Breaking the Cycle

Efforts to address this issue involve a multi-faceted approach. Advocacy groups work to provide support to these young men and help them reintegrate into society. Legal interventions, such as laws against child marriage and policies aimed at protecting the rights of minors, are also crucial. Furthermore, education and awareness campaigns can help prevent the continuation of these practices.

Conclusion

The practice of polygamy in fundamentalist "Mormon" communities, particularly those like the FLDS, raises significant ethical and social concerns. While polygamy may work on a small scale, the numerical imbalance and the forced exile of young men create a challenging and often devastating reality. Addressing these issues requires a combination of social support, legal intervention, and education to prevent the continuation of these practices and ensure the well-being of all community members.