Feminist in the White House: Midge Costanza, the Carter Years, and America's Culture Wars

Midge Costanza was the first female Assistant to the President for Public Liaison under Jimmy Carter in 1977. She was a prominent focal point of the American culture wars, championing progressive causes but facing increased pressure to appease the Religious Right. Her story offers a unique perspective of the rise of debates that have defined the feminist movement and sexual politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

A Feminist in the White House is a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the life and career of Midge Costanza, a remarkable woman who played a significant role in American politics during the late 1970s. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, Costanza emerged as one of the unlikeliest of White House insiders, serving as the first female Assistant to the President for Public Liaison under Jimmy Carter.

Born in 1930, Costanza grew up in a working-class family and faced limited educational opportunities. She worked as a waitress and a factory worker before becoming involved in activism and women's rights movements. Her unwavering commitment to progressive causes and her outspoken nature made her a prominent figure in the American culture wars.

In her role as Assistant to the President for Public Liaison, Costanza was tasked with bringing the views of special interest groups to the president. She championed a wide range of progressive causes, including abortion rights, gay and lesbian rights, and feminist policies. However, her efforts to promote these causes often met with resistance and opposition from both within the White House and by her fellow feminists.

As the American culture wars intensified, Costanza found herself increasingly marginalized within the White House. She clashed with Carter and his aides over issues such as the Religious Right, which opposed her ideals and sought to undermine her efforts. The pressure on Costanza grew, and she was eventually forced to resign in 1978.

Through the lens of Constanza's story, A Feminist in the White House offers a unique perspective on the rise of debates that have defined the feminist movement and sexual politics to this day. The book also reveals a broader, but heretofore neglected, narrative of the complex era of gender politics in the late 1970s Washington, a history that continues to resonate in politics today.

Written by Doreen Mattingly, a renowned historian and author, A Feminist in the White House is a must-read for anyone with an interest in sexual politics, female politicians, and presidential history. Mattingly's meticulous research and insightful analysis provide a deep understanding of Costanza's life and career, and her book offers valuable insights into the challenges and struggles faced by women in politics and society.

In conclusion, A Feminist in the White House is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the life and career of a remarkable woman who played a significant role in American politics during a pivotal period. Through the lens of Constanza's story, the book offers valuable insights into the challenges and struggles faced by women in politics and society, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and social justice.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197583357