Sell-Outs or Warriors for Change?: A Comparative Look at Conservative Women in Politics in Democracies

This book explores how right-wing women navigate the cross-pressures between gender identity and political ideology, examining the circumstances under which they become feminist allies and when they toe the party line.

Format: Hardback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate and multifaceted realm of how right-wing women navigate the complex interplay between gender identity and political ideology. The overarching aspiration has always been that increased representation of women in politics would foster greater inclusion of women's perspectives and interests in decision-making and policy. However, the reality is far from uniform; prominent conservative women like Margaret Thatcher have chosen to distance themselves from the feminist label, while others, such as Angela Merkel, have reluctantly embraced it. In the United States, Republican women in Congress have adopted social and economic policies that may not align with traditional notions of women's issues, while EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is a steadfast advocate of feminist ideals. Interestingly, other conservative women, such as Marine LePen in France, strategically employ feminist arguments to justify their conservative stances on immigration. This raises an intriguing and understudied question: under what circumstances do conservative women ally themselves with feminism, and when do they adhere to the party line? This edited volume aims to explore this tension between women's political representation and conservatism, shedding light on the diverse perspectives and experiences of these women.

The chapters in this book, with the exception of Chapter 3, were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Women, Politics & Policy. This publication provides a valuable platform for scholars and researchers to delve into the complex dynamics between gender, politics, and policy. By examining the experiences of right-wing women, this book contributes to our understanding of the broader political landscape and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by women in both conservative and progressive movements.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032346571