S01E34 - Gender, Relationships, and Negotiation: How Men Frame Their Deconversion Experiences from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

This academic article explores the social and psychological processes through which men disaffiliate from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The researchers utilize narrative interviews with twenty former members to analyze how the faith’s gendered expectations—such as missions, priesthood advancement, and the role of the sole breadwinner—shape the male life course. While many participants initially left due to intellectual doubts or historical concerns, they often framed their departure as an escape from rigid cultural pressures that caused mental health struggles. The text highlights how leaving the church frequently leads to interpersonal conflict, including divorce and strained family dynamics, as men attempt to redefine their identities. Ultimately, the study suggests that the deconversion process for men is a journey toward finding an authentic sense of self outside of institutionalized roles.Citation:Jindra, Ines W., Jenna Thompson, Rebecca Malan, and Nicholas Evans. 2026. “Gender, Relationships, and Negotiation: How Men Frame Their Deconversion Experiences from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.” Nova Religio 29(3):38–57. doi:10.1353/nvr.2026.a980274.