Women, Gender, and Conservatism in 20th Century America

Michelle Nickerson Chapter

Women have engaged in conservative movement politics throughout the twentieth century, actively shaping political landscapes alongside men. Their involvement has spanned from opposing Progressive-era health and welfare legislation to challenging the New Deal and engaging in the culture wars against feminism. Central to this engagement has been the essentialist view of femininity—as protectors of the family and nurturers (maternalism) —which has significantly influenced conservative female politics.

Historical Context

The recognition of women's roles within conservatism is critical as it showcases an enduring female presence on the political right. From 2010's Tea Party movement, which Michael Graham depicted as a model of normalcy with mothers at the forefront, to the grassroots activism indicated by scholarships, women have consistently pushed for their political interests despite being sidelined historically.

The Conservative Woman as a Political Actor

While traditional narratives of conservatism often emphasize the role of elite white men, the involvement of women in conservative movements serves to challenge these assumptions. By analyzing female experiences in political conservatism, it becomes apparent that women have maneuvered within and influenced conservative ideologies, often drawing from historical maternalism and housewife populism that emphasize their distinct roles in society.

Maternalism and Republican Motherhood

Foundations of Female Conservatism

  1. Republican Motherhood Ideology: Emerging in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, this ideology posited women as moral guardians essential for nurturing virtuous citizens in the new republic.

  2. Cult of True Womanhood: This 19th-century framework linked female moral superiority with domesticity, valorizing traits such as piety, purity, and submissiveness, which became key aspects of social reform movements.

  3. Influence on Political Engagement: Though rooted in conservative gender assumptions, these ideologies provided women a platform to influence political dialogue even while promoting traditional family values.

20th Century Political Involvement

Women active in maternalism and progressive reform leveraged their perceived moral authority to impact significant legislation within the welfare state. Their efforts manifested in movements like the Children's Bureau and advocacy for maternity rights during the early decades of the 20th century.

Shift to Antiradicalism and Antifeminism

World War I and the Red Scare

The involvement of women in nationalist movements grew post-World War I, often in opposition to progressive changes initiated by previous reformers. The maternal instinct and a focus on protecting family values led conservative women to dismantle ambitious social welfare policies through organizations advocating for 'patriotic' oversight.

  1. Child Labor Amendment: Women's groups successfully campaigned against this amendment under the guise of protecting family dynamics from governmental overreach.

  2. Sheppard-Towner Act: Aimed at improving maternal health, this act was also targeted for its perceived intrusion into the familial roles of mothers.

Anti-Feminist Sentiment in the 1970s

The 1970s saw a resurgence in organized antifeminism, sparked primarily by the rise of second-wave feminism. Women like Phyllis Schlafly emerged, framing the narrative that defended traditional family roles against perceived threats posed by feminism and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

The Late 20th Century: Tea Party and Beyond

Legacy of the Tea Party Movement

The Tea Party movement, though often perceived as a predominantly male entity, drew significant involvement from women. Polls revealed that more than half of Tea Party supporters were women who utilized traditional roles to advocate for conservative fiscal policies and a return to foundational governmental limits.

  1. Michele Bachmann and Joni Ernst: These women not only participated but held significant political office, illustrating the evolving role of women in conservative politics.

  2. Sarah Palin's Influence: As a prominent figure, Palin became a symbol of a new generation of conservative women who intertwined maternal instincts with vibrant political activism.

Current Trends and Feminine Conservatism

Today, the blend of maternalism and populism continues in conservative agendas. The concepts of 'Mama Grizzlies' and the Clare Booth Luce Policy Institute epitomize how modern female conservatism seeks to redefine femininity in the political realm, advocating for traditional values while embracing a more vocal and assertive political presence.

Women in the conservative movement are thus not only defenders of familial values but are also at the forefront of shaping a narrative that intertwines their femininity with political agency, continuing a legacy started in the early republic while adapting to the contemporary political landscape.