Considering Conservative Women in the Gendering of Modern British Politics

This book explores how the British Conservative Party has appealed to women, the roles that women have played in the party, and the tense relationship between womens activism on the Right and feminism. It covers the period since the early 20th century and challenges assumptions about the reactionary response of the British Right to womens issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate dynamics of how the British Conservative Party has successfully appealed to women, the significant roles that women have played within the party, and the often-tense relationship between women's activism on the Right and feminism. Spanning the period since the early 20th century, the contributions presented in this book challenge prevailing assumptions about the reactionary response of the British Right, particularly under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher's party, to women's issues and political aspirations.

The Conservative Party has a unique and complex relationship with women in the modern era. Since 1918, the party has developed successful strategies to attract women as party workers and voters, appealing to certain notional women's issues and producing the only two women Prime Ministers of the UK. However, the role of Conservative women has often been seen as problematic, particularly due to the widespread assumption that feminism is solely aligned with leftist movements and political positions.

This volume aims to address these issues through a series of case studies that cover the period from the early 20th to the 21st century. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal, Womens History Review, and provide a valuable insight into the evolving landscape of women's political participation and representation in Britain.

One of the key themes explored in this volume is the mobilization of women by the Conservative Party. The book examines how the party has sought to appeal to women voters and workers, both in terms of policy and rhetoric. It explores the various strategies employed by the party, such as the promotion of women's rights, the adoption of feminist policies, and the use of female politicians as role models.

The book also examines the roles that women have played within the Conservative Party. It highlights the contributions of women to the party's leadership, policy-making, and grassroots activism. It explores the challenges that women have faced in pursuing political careers within the party, as well as the barriers that they have encountered in achieving equal representation.

Another important theme in this volume is the relationship between women's activism on the Right party and feminism. The book explores the tensions and conflicts that have arisen. It examines the ways in which women's activism on the Right has influenced the party's approach to women's issues and the challenges that have arisen. It also examines the ways in which feminism has influenced the party's approach to women's issues and the challenges that have.

The book also explores the impact of the shifting status of women and opportunities for women in politics in modern Britain on the Conservative Party. It examines the ways in which the party has responded to the changing demands and expectations of women voters and workers, as well as the challenges that the party has faced in adapting the changing political landscape.

In conclusion, this volume provides a valuable contribution to the study of women's political participation and representation in Britain. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of how the British Conservative Party has appealed to women, the roles that women have played within the party, and the complex relationship between women's activism on the Right and feminism. Through a range of case studies, the book challenges prevailing assumptions about the reactionary response of the British Right to women's issues and political aspirations. It highlights the significant contributions of women to the party's leadership, policy-making, and grassroots activism, and explores the challenges that they have faced in pursuing political careers within the party. The book also examines the relationship between women's activism on the Right and feminism, and the impact of the shifting status of women and opportunities for women in politics in modern Britain on the Conservative Party. It is a must-read for scholars and researchers interested in women's political participation and representation in Britain.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367569662