Feminists in Politics : A Panel Analysis of the First National Women's Conference

Feminists in Politics: A Panel Analysis of the First National Women's Conference provides a systematic study of the impact of the National Women's Conference held in Houston, Texas, in November 1977, on the participants. It traces the past political activities of the conference participants; what they actually did during the conference; the impact of the conference on their commitment to political action in the future; and their aspirations for holding elected office in American politics or in organizations associated with the feminist movement. The volume begins by placing the IWY Commission and the study of the conference in the context of feminist history—both the long-term history that reaches back to Seneca Falls in 1848 and the short-term history of more recent post-1965 political developments. Subsequent chapters deal with design, variable measurement, and response pattern analysis; political organization and group formation; the differences between Pro-Plan and Anti-Plan activists at the conference; and the past political development of the delegates and their political aspirations. This impact analysis will be of interest to political scientists and sociologists, as well as to political activists concerned with the efficacy of alternative action strategies. Content: Front Matter , Page iii Copyright , Page iv Dedication , Page v List of Figures , Pages xiii-xiv List of Tables , Pages xv-xix Preface , Pages xxi-xxiv Acknowledgments , Pages xxv-xxvii 1 - The National Conference in Historical Context , Pages 1-45 2 - Whom Did We Miss? Response Pattern Analysis , Pages 47-72 3 - Design and Measurement , Pages 73-115 4 - Conference Organization and Political Behavior , Pages 117-144 5 - The State Delegation: Formation and Impact , Pages 145-183 6 - The Structures of Affect and Belief , Pages 185-233 7 - Paths to Political Competence and Action , Pages 235-288 8 - Looking Ahead: Political Aspirations and Action , Pages 289-319 9 - Summary of Findings and Their Political Implications , Pages 321-342 APPENDIX A - The Houston National Women's Conference Study , Pages 343,345-381 APPENDIX B - Alphabetical List of Indices, Operational Definitions, and Location in Surveys , Pages 383-385 APPENDIX C - Resolutions Endorsed by National Women's Conference , Pages 387-408 References , Pages 409-411