Building beyond Lakoff's election-year best-seller, Don't Think of an Elephant, this new book shows how the values of American voters are dramatically shifting. With the arrival of the 2008 election year, a rising "feminized majority"-made up of both women and men-is emerging as the pivotal force in American politics. Emerging trends show these values are broadly progressive and address not just the needs of women but the general interests of society. They are held by women substantially more than by men but have become the values held by a majority of all voters, including millions of men. Like earlier eras in American history, such as the New Deal, the rise of the feminized majority today presents an opportunity for the Democrats to become the governing party for decades to come. Looking beyond the 2008 election, Adam and Derber describe a new political strategy that targets the feminized base and opens up a window for major social justice movements to make progressive change. Like Lakoff's, this striking new book-perfectly timed for election year 2008-offers a new vocabulary for every citizen who wants to understand (and reimagine) American politics. It will intrigue and provoke readers, stirring new conversation among progressives and new insights for every citizen interested in politics, morality, religion, values, and social justice.

About the Author
Katherine Adam is the Outreach Coordinator for the Philadelphia GROW Project of the Drexel University School of Public Health, which serves the needs of low-income children. She has been active in Democratic Party politics at the federal, state, and local levels, including interning for Senator John Kerry. Charles Derber is Professor of Sociology at Boston College. He is the author of Corporation Nation, Hidden Power and Greed to Green.

Reviews

"Since the gender gap was identified in the 1980s, candidates have pandered to women voters-only to turn their backs when elected. Not this time, say Derber and Adam in this insightful twist on presidential politics. Women's values matter as much as their votes in this election. As those values are pro family, environment, children, health care, a strong economy, peace, and a strong, principled United States, then history will be made in this election no matter what. This time, not just a gender gap, but a victory for values. This is a valuable book chronicling this pivotal moment."Susan Shaer, Executive Director, Women's Action for New Directions (WAND)"The New Feminized Majority has breathtaking implications for understanding short- and long-term changes in American society, politics, and culture. The authors are careful researchers, a talented writing team, and outstanding social commentators."Judith Blau, Professor, UNC Chapel Hill and President, Sociologists without Borders"Charles Derber is one of our most astute and eloquent social critics."Howard Zinn, Professor Emeritus, Boston University"This hopeful book from Adam (her coauthor's former student) and Derber (professor of sociology at Boston College) will resonate most with Democrats, but it's aimed at a general audience. The authors interpret the polling data of recent years as indicating more "feminized" values in the electorate and advise all Democrats to embrace these values. Recommended for public and undergraduate libraries."Library Journal

Book Information
ISBN 9781594515682
Author Katherine Adam
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 249g