Mormons... are so strong, they can handle wealth, they are confident. I think it is because they are not bogged down by rules for equality, but have a firmly defined system of relative status and responsible command.

In this quote, Mary Douglas, a British anthropologist known for her work on social structures and cultural systems, makes a statement about the Mormon community. She observes that Mormons are able to handle wealth and possess a high level of confidence, attributing this to their societal structure, which she believes is not weighed down by rules advocating for equality. Instead, Douglas argues that Mormons thrive because they have a clear system of relative status and responsible command, where individuals have distinct roles and responsibilities that contribute to the cohesion and functioning of the community.

Douglas implies that social inequality—or at least a lack of strict equality—can foster a sense of order and responsibility. In this context, a firmly defined system of status allows for individuals to understand their place in society and their duties, creating an environment where people can feel secure in their roles and confident in their actions. This system, according to Douglas, contributes to the community’s ability to manage challenges, including the acquisition and management of wealth.

The critique of equality in the quote suggests that equality might sometimes create uncertainty or lack of direction in a society, as it removes the hierarchical structure that helps individuals understand their roles within the larger system. Instead of fostering collective action, an emphasis on equality might lead to individualism or competition. By contrast, the Mormon system of relative status is seen as providing more clarity and a sense of purpose, which could explain the group's confidence and ability to prosper.

Ultimately, Douglas’ quote offers a perspective on the dynamics of social structures and the balance between equality and hierarchy. It suggests that firmly defined social roles and a sense of responsible command can create a stronger, more cohesive community, allowing for the management of resources and personal relationships more effectively than a system that stresses equal distribution of power.