Explore the intriguing rise of Mormon influencers and their connection to traditional gender roles. Discover how the cultural roots of the Church align with today's conservative social media trends. Delve into Joseph Smith's eccentric beginnings, the enchanting world of Ballerina Farm, and the nostalgic allure of 'tradwife' content. The conversation highlights the challenges these influencers face while navigating their faith in a digital landscape and how their online personas reshape perceptions of faith and femininity.
Mormon influencers have successfully merged traditional family values with modern social media, utilizing platforms like TikTok for widespread engagement.
The rise of the 'tradwife' phenomenon among Mormon women exemplifies how conservative ideals are both embraced and challenged in influencer culture.
Critics of Mormon influencers highlight the tension between promoting restrictive gender roles and the push for individualism within contemporary parenting debates.
Deep dives
Mormonism's Cultural Roots
Mormonism was formally established in the 19th century by Joseph Smith, who sought a faith amid the religious upheaval in the United States. The origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) stem from personal revelatory experiences Smith claimed to have, including visions and divine visitations. This period was characterized by the emergence of new religions influenced by movements like spiritualism and the Second Great Awakening. The publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830, which chronicles a lost civilization in the Americas, highlights the Church's unique beliefs and narratives that diverge from mainstream Christianity.
Gender Roles and Influencer Culture
Modern Mormon influencers, particularly female content creators, have capitalized on traditional Mormon values around family, motherhood, and gender roles while navigating contemporary social media platforms. The rise of influencer culture within the LDS community echoes conservative ideals while simultaneously challenging them as influencers present a curated image of the perfect motherhood experience. This trend reflects a broader societal fascination with traditional gender roles, as seen in the popularization of the 'tradwife' phenomenon that emphasizes domesticity and family priorities. Mormon influencers have adapted to this landscape, utilizing platforms like TikTok to gain significant followings by portraying aspects of their lives that resonate with both traditional and contemporary values.
The Ballerina Farm Phenomenon
Hanna Neelman, known as 'Ballerina Farm,' exemplifies the trend of Mormon women achieving substantial social media success. She initially gained recognition through her family blog, later transitioning to platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share her life on a farm and promote a lifestyle that combines motherhood, farming, and traditional values. Her rise in popularity coincides with the shift from confessional blogging to aesthetic-driven content that portrays an idealized version of family life. The vast following she has amassed highlights how this portrayal can resonate deeply with audiences seeking representations of family-centered lifestyles.
Critiques of Traditionalism
Critics of the Mormon influencer phenomenon often highlight the restrictive gender roles and traditional values that such content espouses. The 'tradwife' trend has faced backlash from feminists and modern parents who advocate for individualism and autonomy outside of traditional familial roles. Controversies arise, especially concerning public declarations from prominent Mormon influencers that seem to contradict their faith's values, such as the backlash faced by Hannah Neelman's soft swinging incident. These tensions illustrate the complexities and challenges that arise as influencers navigate personal beliefs, public personas, and the expectations tied to their cultural backgrounds.
Algorithm, Money, and Influence
The success of Mormon influencers can be attributed to their adeptness at leveraging social media algorithms alongside financial backing from the Mormon Church and community. Evidence indicates that the mechanics of social media reward engagement, a factor that these influencers utilize by drawing in audiences through both aspirational content and authentic narratives. As influencer culture evolves, members of the Mormon community have adapted their messages to resonate with a broader audience while strategically maintaining their religious identities. The intersection of faith, family values, and financial success underscores the extensive influence that has emerged from this uniquely American religious tradition.
This week, Jamie takes a treacherous voyage into a complicated question -- why on Earth are there so many successful Mormon influencers? In this two-part series, she looks at how the origins and the values of the Mormon church deceptively align with the conservative "tradwife" influencing space of today... and yes, she will get into the tradwives. Contained herein: Joseph Smith shoving his face into a hat, a new Hulu reality series that is deceptively boring, Ballerina Farm, and the Mormons' early success in the conservative mommy blogging space.
Tune in for part 2, where ex-Mormon Alyssa Grenfell poses a theory at how the Church of Latter Day Saints stays two steps ahead of it all.
