2016/06/16 by Michael K. Ault, Bobbi Van Gilder
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Marriage and Sexual Relationships #Mormonism, Religion, and History #Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
paper · doi:10.1080/10570314.2016.1188327
openalex publication_date 2016/06/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Using structuration theory, this study explores the division of labor in polygamous families, specifically how families establish and maintain roles, and how family structure adjusts to changing group memberships. Constant comparative analysis revealed that plural families construct organizational structure to coordinate family roles by establishing a managerial hierarchy, “building children,” negotiating formal roles, assuming informal roles based on individual talents, and compromising for the common good. In response to changing group membership, group communication processes recreate plural family structures in response to change through three readjustment strategies: relinquishing authority, reassigning roles, and integrating members constructively.