The women most crucial to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960's arrived at their commitment and consciousness in response to the unexpected and often shattering experience of having their work minimized, even disregarded, by the men they considered to be their colleagues and fellow crusaders in the civil rights and radical New Left movements. On the basis of years of research, interviews with dozens of the central figures, and her own personal experience, Evans explores how the political stance (...) of these women was catalyzed and shaped by their sharp disillusionment at a time when their skills as political activists were newly and highly developed, enabling them to join forces to support their own cause. (shrink)

Political scientists have generally understood it as a traditional social movement one that gathered its constituents and mobilized its resources to fight for change--in part, against a government that was hostile or indifferent to women's rights. Costain argues instead for a "political process" interpretation that includes the federal government's role in facilitating the movement's success. In Costain's analysis, the crumbling of the New Deal coalition in the late sixties created a period of political uncertainty. Realizing the potential electoral impact of (...) a bloc of women voters, politicians saw the value of making serious efforts to attract women's support. In this sympathetic political climate, the women's movement won early legislative stories without needing to develop significant resources or tactical skills. It also encouraged the movement's emphasis on legislation, particularly the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. (shrink)

Ideal as a basic text in undergraduate gender or social movements courses, or as a supplement in sociology of family classes. Uses compelling case materials (i.e. the struggle over the ERA, abortion rights, or the fight for gay and lesbian rights) to show how large-scale historical transformations are relevant to pressing social issues. The book also links gender with social movements in a way that shows how events of the 19th century are relevant to understanding the struggles for change today. (...) "I am very enthusiastic about this book, not only from the standpoint of my own course needs, but as someone interested in the significance of social movements for gender change." --Verta Taylor, Ohio State University. (shrink)