And, no, I wasn't alive then. I'm just a student of western history and know women on the frontier were much better treated than those in so-called civilized society because everyone had to earn respect, not just demand it.
My theory as to why Mormons are such a reliable conservative voting demographic is because they are closer to the frontier mentality than most others.
I think you’re right about that. I also think that, even in the old polygamy days, the church encouraged women to develop themselves. I remember reading about a very bright young polygamous wife who was sent to medical school. The system worked out pretty well for her. Some of the “sister wives” took care of her children while she traveled back east to medical school.
Also, Minerva Teichert was a promising artist who needed training she couldn’t get in Utah in the early 1900’s. So the Church organized a group of young women to train in the various arts in Chicago, so they wouldn’t have to go alone.
I have never felt “put down” because I’m a woman. Quite the opposite.
As to why we are conservative, I think it’s because we are taught regularly to be responsible and self-sufficient. We are also appalled by the moral decline in this country.