The Rainbow after the Storm: Marriage Equality and Social Change in the U.S

Social science research and public opinion shifted in favor of gay rights, leading to the legalization of same-sex marriage in the US.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

For much of American history, public opinion has been vehemently opposed to gay rights. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, marriage equality garnered minimal public support. However, starting in the 1990s, American attitudes toward marriage equality underwent a remarkable transformation, surpassing any other attitude in the history of American public opinion. In his book Rainbow after the Storm, Michael J. Rosenfeld delves into the intricate dynamics that led to this significant shift and how it ultimately propelled change at the ballot box and in the courts.

Rosenfeld's exploration reveals how attitudes toward marriage equality underwent a seismic shift, driven by a multitude of factors. He meticulously examines three pivotal same-sex marriage trials, where supporters and opponents of marriage equality clashed in court. Through vivid descriptions, Rosenfeld sheds light on the challenges faced by same-sex couples, who, with limited resources and formidable state and religious opponents, fought tirelessly for the right to marry and ultimately secured victory.

The Rainbow after the Storm stands as the first comprehensive analysis of the marriage equality movement in the United States. It weaves together the stories of key individuals, the legal battles, and the societal explanations that contributed to the rapid liberalization of attitudes toward gay rights. This transformative process paved the way for same-sex marriage to become the law of the land sooner than many had anticipated.

The book offers a profound insight into the complex interplay of social science, legal proceedings, and public opinion that shaped the trajectory of the marriage equality movement. It sheds light on the power of narrative, the influence of social movements, and the resilience of individuals who fought for their rights. Rainbow after the Storm serves as a testament to the enduring impact of social science on the pursuit of equality and justice.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197600443