Gender Distribution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Worldwide

Authors

Ray M. Merrill
Arielle A. Sloan
J. Grant Merrill

Abstract

Analyzing disparities in LDS membership numbers between men and women, especially by age group and geographical location, produces a deeper understanding of Church growth, conversion, and member retention. While more females are on the records of the Church than men, the Church gender ratio is nearly even during the ages 15 to 24. Church records show a greater ratio of males to females in old age than the general world gender ratio. LDS gender ratios also vary widely by UN world region, which shows that cultural factors may impact the segments of the population that are most interested in participating in religion.

Recommended Citation

Merrill, Ray M.; Sloan, Arielle A.; and Merrill, J. Grant (2014) "Gender Distribution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Worldwide," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 53: Iss. 1, Article 10.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol53/iss1/10