As always, it is with great pleasure that I introduce the Winter 2016 issue of the E-Journal Regulating Religion
In this issue Mathilde Vanasse-Pelletier, a PhD candidate at the University of Montreal, explores the recent shift in the representation of fundamentalist Mormons, especially women belonging to that faith, in the United States. She argues that popular culture, including TV fiction series and reality shows, play a central role in explaining why and how the portrayal of polygamy practiced by Mormons went from a unilaterally criminalizing image to a more diversified and empathetic representation. Her piece is highly relevant as it shows the importance of considering the role played by popular culture in explaining social change, and more specifically changes around how religion is experienced and regulated.
Happy reading!
Amélie Barras
January 11, 2016