Women and Political Participation: A Reference Handbook

An illuminating analysis of the long and ongoing struggle of women in America to gain political equality and bring about change in public policy. Women and Political Participation examines the involvement of women in American politics, concentrating mainly on their participation since the birth of the second women's movement in the late 1960s. From the creation of grassroots and national organizations to voting and running for office, this thought-provoking volume explores the diverse ways in which women have affected change and achieved greater representation in political leadership. Detailed discussions of key documents like the Declaration of Sentiments and the Equal Rights Amendment; political action committees such as EMILY's List, which supports pro-choice Democratic female candidates; Margaret Sanger, Betty Friedan, and other activists; and groups like the League of Women Voters reveal the complexities of women's efforts to gain equality and identify the barriers that remain today.