Intimate States: Gender, Sexuality, and Governance in Modern US History

The book "Intimate States" explores the unexpected relationships between government power and intimate life in the US over the last 150 years. It argues that "intimate governance" should be central to understanding modern American history, as the state has control over private experiences and shapes government responses to intimate life. The power of the state has become so deeply embedded in daily social life that it is indistinguishable from society itself.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The last few decades have witnessed a remarkable surge in historical scholarship that delves into the intricate connections between government power and the realm of intimate life in the United States over the past 150 years. This scholarly endeavor has sought to broaden our understanding of governmental authority and its impact on individuals' experiences. Simultaneously, there has been a flourishing of studies exploring the history of intimate life, encompassing marriage, sexuality, child-rearing, and family dynamics. However, these two fields of inquiry have largely been studied in isolation, failing to intersect in a sustained and comprehensive manner.

To address this gap, Intimate States, an edited volume brought together by three esteemed American historians, emerges as a groundbreaking work. This book aims to bridge the divide between state power and intimate experience, offering powerful analyses that shed light on the intricate relationship between these two spheres in modern American history.

The fourteen essays included in this volume argue that "intimate governance"—the intertwining of private daily experiences with the machinery of the state—should be considered a fundamental aspect of understanding contemporary American history. The authors and editors contend that the state has exerted control over and structured our personal lives in ways that often go unnoticed, shaping not only government policies but also the very fabric of contemporary society. In turn, the state's approaches and responses to the contours of intimate life have profoundly influenced the development of government power, rendering it inseparable from the daily lives of individuals.

Intimate States makes a compelling case that the state is ever-present, even in the most private and personal moments of our lives. The authors and editors highlight how the state's power has permeated various aspects of our social existence, from marriage and family laws to reproductive rights and healthcare policies. They argue that the state's interventions in intimate matters have had far-reaching consequences, shaping not only individual experiences but also the broader social and political landscape.

Through their insightful analyses, the contributors to Intimate States shed light on the complex and multifaceted ways in which government power and intimate life intersect. They explore the historical roots of state power in the United States, examining how it has evolved over time in response to changing societal norms, cultural shifts, and economic developments. They also examine the ways in which individuals have resisted and challenged state power, advocating for greater autonomy and self-determination in the realm of intimate life.

In conclusion, Intimate States is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between government power and intimate life in the United States. By bringing together scholars from diverse fields, this volume provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of how state power has shaped and been shaped by the contours of intimate experience. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complex dynamics between state authority

The last few decades have witnessed a remarkable surge in historical scholarship that delves into the intricate connections between government power and the realm of intimate life in the United States over the past 150 years. This scholarly endeavor has sought to broaden our understanding of governmental authority.
The last few decades have witnessed a remarkable surge in historical scholarship that delves into the intricate connections between government power and the realm of intimate life in the United States over the past 150 years. This scholarly endeavor has sought to broaden our understanding of governmental authority and its impact on individuals' experiences. Simultaneously, there has been a flourishing of studies exploring the history of intimate life, encompassing marriage, sexuality, child-rearing, and family dynamics. However, these two fields of inquiry have largely been studied in isolation, failing to intersect in a sustained and comprehensive manner.

To address this gap, Intimate States, an edited volume brought together by three esteemed American historians, emerges as a groundbreaking work. This book aims to bridge the divide between state power and intimate experience, offering powerful analyses that shed light on the intricate relationship between these two spheres in modern American history.

The fourteen essays included in this volume argue that "intimate governance"—the intertwining of private daily experiences with the machinery of the state—should be considered a fundamental aspect of understanding contemporary American history. The authors and editors contend that the state has exerted control over and structured our personal lives in ways that often go unnoticed, shaping not only government policies but also the very fabric of contemporary society. In turn, the state's approaches and responses to the contours of intimate life have profoundly influenced the development of government power, rendering it inseparable from the daily lives of individuals.

Intimate States makes a compelling case that the state is ever-present, even in the most private and personal moments of our lives. The authors and editors highlight how the state's power has permeated various aspects of our social existence, from marriage and family laws to reproductive rights and healthcare policies. They argue that the state's interventions in intimate matters have had far-reaching consequences, shaping not only individual experiences but also the broader social and political landscape.

Through their insightful analyses, the contributors to Intimate States shed light on the complex and multifaceted ways in which government power and intimate life intersect. They explore the historical roots of state power in the United States, examining how it has evolved over time in response to changing societal norms, cultural shifts, and economic developments. They also examine the ways in which individuals have resisted and challenged state power, advocating for greater autonomy and self-determination in the realm of intimate life.

In conclusion, Intimate States is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between government power and intimate life in the United States. By bringing together scholars from diverse fields, this volume provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of how state power has shaped and been shaped by the contours of intimate experience. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complex dynamics between state

Weight: 672g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226794617