ABSTRACT
Patterns of family life in the United States are changing. This chapter examines similar values for California -- the quintessential western state -- and Rhode Island, another state that reports an even higher percentage of religious affiliation than Utah, but has a majority Catholic population. It discusses two types of behavior: individualistic and family-oriented behavior. Mormon women cooperated collectively on commercial enterprises like wheat growing and silk farming. While Mormon women supported their husbands and church leaders both financially and religiously, they also had the encouragement and support of the church for developing autonomy, independence, and career skills. The lack of men present in Mormon households resulted in the development among Mormon women of many skills unusual for the day. The association of religious traditionalism and family patterns is clearly evident in the states, as are the effects of western individualism.
