Abstract

Although one of the most consistent findings of recent fertility research is the convergence of the religious differentials in fertility, little data have been analyzed to discover the Mormon fertility trends and differentials. This study, based on data obtained on 1,001 Mormon couples, is concerned with describing the effects that the dispersion of Mormon families from the Mormon center in Utah to surrounding areas with various social conditions is having on the fertility of the relocated Mormon families. Data presented clearly show that such families do, on the average, have a lower fertility than do their Mormon contemporaries residing in the homogeneous Mormon society in Utah. They probably compromise their religious obligations of having children to the contradicting demands of their new environment. Their loyalty to these religious beliefs, however, is confirmed by data which show that they tend to have larger families in their new environment than do their non-Mormon neighbors.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Sociology

Rights

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