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A feminist in the White House : Midge Costanza, the Carter years, and America's culture wars / Doreen J. Mattingly.

by Mattingly, Doreen J., 1962- author.

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New York, NY : Oxford University Press, c2016.

Costanza, Midge, 1932-2010.

Carter, Jimmy, 1924- -- Friends and associates.

Political consultants -- United States -- Biography.

Feminists -- United States -- Biography.

Sex role -- Political aspects -- United States -- History -- 20th century.

Women -- Political activity -- United States -- History -- 20th century.

Culture conflict -- United States -- History -- 20th century.

United States -- Politics and government -- 1977-1981.

United States -- Social conditions -- 1960-1980.

9780190468606 :

xxiii, 285 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 25 cm

"A feminist, an outspoken activist, a woman without a college education, Midge Costanza was one of the unlikeliest of White House insiders. Yet in 1977 she became the first female Assistant to the President for Public Liaison under Jimmy Carter, emerging as a prominent focal point of the American culture wars. Tasked with bringing the views of special interest groups to the president, Costanza championed progressive causes even as Americans grew increasingly divided on the very issues for which she fought. In A Feminist in the White House, Doreen Mattingly draws on Costanza's personal papers to shed light on the life of this fascinating and controversial woman. Mattingly chronicles Costanza's dramatic rise and fall as a public figure, from her initial popularity to her ultimate clashes with Carter and his aides. While Costanza challenged Carter to support abortion rights, gay and lesbian rights, and feminist policies, Carter faced increased pressure to appease the interests of emerging Religious Right, which directly opposed Costanza's ideals. Ultimately, marginalized both within the White House and by her fellow feminists, Costanza was pressured to resign in 1978. Through the lens of Constanza's story, readers catch a unique perspective of the rise of debates which have defined the feminist movement and sexual politics to this very day. Mattingly also reveals a wider, but heretofore neglected, narrative of the complex era of gender politics in the late 1970's Washington--a history which continues to resonate in politics today. A Feminist in the White House is a must-read for anyone with an interest in sexual politics, female politicians, and presidential history"--Provided by publisher.

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