The Intersection of Race and Gender in National Politics

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The Intersection of Race and Gender in National Politics is an exploratory analysis that not only looks at the role black women have played in the national political arena but also examines the sociohistorical forces that have facilitated and/or prevented the presence of black women in this arenamost specifically, in the White House. The book utilizes refereed journal articles, newspaper accounts, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and secondary data analyses to identify and detail the individual and reciprocating impact of race and gender on black women in national politics. Looking at the experiences of select black women in the national political arena, challenges and opportunities for black women in the pursuit of the U.S. presidency are identified. Special attention is paid to the media, recent changes to the Voting Rights Act, and campaign finance.

Reviews

This book will help to fill a void within the literature. Books that specifically and systematically address the plight of black women in the political arena are conspicuously lacking In order to fully address any issue dealing with race and gender, one must have adequate representation from voices and perspectives that are non-dominant. Parham-Payne handily infuses both the direct perspective as well as the story of black womens journey through politics. -- Mia Hardy, Southern New Hampshire University
To be black and female is to be innately political... What a provocative way to argue for more substantive representation of women of color in the US legislature. Parham-Payne illumines compelling connections between effectively tackling the social and economic concerns of marginalized communities and the political participation of black women. Even more compelling is her call for a more serious consideration of a black woman presidential candidate. Parham-Payne's analysis of our current political landscape serves as a clarion call for the necessity of women of color legislators in addressing our nation's most pressing social justice issues. -- Tamara L. Hoff, DePaul University
An important read! Parham-Paynechroniclesthe history of blackwomen's disenfranchisement, activism,andfight forparticipation inUS social politics. Thecontemporarytext situates blackwomenin the 21st centuryas a viable and growing political block. Atthe close of theObama Era,as the country considers the first womanpresidential candidate, thequestion remains, is the US prepared for a black woman president -- Raja Staggers-Hakim, Simmons College

Author Bio

Wanda Parham-Payne is associate professor of sociology at Prince Georges Community College and adjunct at American University.