This week we will discuss how Mormon women in Utah were involved in the 19th century American women’s movement. The primary connection is through women’s suffrage and a key individual in the story is Emmeline B. Wells, editor of the Women’s Exponent and fifth president of the Relief Society. Women received the right to vote in the Utah Territory in 1870, forty years before suffrage was obtained in California and fifty years before the 19th amendment gave women the right to vote nationally. Mormon women like Emmeline B. Wells worked closely with leaders of the national suffragette movement (such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony) to maintain and, after Congress revoked their right to vote in 1887, to regain their right to vote.
READINGS
The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Utah
In Their Own Behalf: the Politicization of Mormon Women and the 1870 Franchise, Lola Van Wagenen, Dialogue
The women’s suffrage movement plays a role in women going on missions - “Women with A Mission", lds.org
Emmeline B. Wells
Emmeline B. Woodward Wells, 5th General Relief Society President 1910-1921, lds.org
Emmeline B. Wells, A Fine Soul Who Served, Carol Cornwall Madsen, Ensign
Emmeline B. Wells: ‘Am I Not A Woman And A Sister,’ Carol Cornwall Madsen, BYU Studies
Emmeline B. Wells: Romantic Rebel. Carol Cornwall Madsen, Religious Studies Center
Podcast - “Life and Legacy of Emmeline B. Wells with biographer Carol Cornwall Madsen”
Painting - “Charity Never Faileth," Julie Rogers, lds.org
Hymn - “Our Mountain Home So Dear," words by Emmeline B. Wells
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What were the two themes of the “Woman Question” for all feminists? (Sexual equality and sexual propriety.)
2. What was the third component specific to Mormon women? (Eternal progression. Women's Equality was seen as part of the Restoration.)
Share some of Emmeline B. Wells thoughts on these three themes.
3. Have we solved the “Women Question” in the modern church? Specifically -
a. Sexual equality - Do we encourage women to get an education and to work long enough to become proficient in an occupation? Do you ever hear anyone talk about economic parity from the pulpit?
b. Sexual propriety - We often hear women in the church touted as the ultimate nurturers which in earlier times might have been expressed that “A woman’s place is in the home.” How do we support and encourage mothers while still allowing for other roles for women?
c. Eternal progression - Are men viewed as more spiritual than women in the LDS church? Maybe more well-versed in the scriptures? Do you think this will change now that more girls go on missions and spend more dedicated time studying the scriptures? Is every woman more nurturing than every man? What does a divine partnership look like to you?
4. Emmeline B. Wells had a number of setbacks in her life but rallied every time. How have church teachings or other members helped you develop resilience?