Phyllis Schlafly

Term Paper # 107801

Political Science > U.S.
Women Studies > Historical Figures

Phyllis Schlafly

A look at the influence of Phyllis Schlafly on American politics.

1,703 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Phyllis Schlafly is one American to whom much of the development of the Republican party is due. It looks at how her appearance on the American political scene in the 1950s brought a new level of social conservatism to the GOP, and how her ability to bring the issues of "traditional values" to the table has brought a new following to the Republican party, shaping the political landscape of the past fifty years.

From the Paper:

"Schlafly's next major campaign was against the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, which aimed to grant equal rights to all American citizens regardless of gender. Schlafly's vehement opposition to the amendment was based on the argument that government should recognize the differences between men and women, and that if passed, women would be drafted into combat military service, abortions could be funded by federal money, and it would pave the way for same-sex marriage (Kolbert, 134). Her 1972 article, "What's Wrong with 'Equal Rights' for Women?" brought together grassroots individuals in an attempt to stop the amendment, which appeared to be on its way into law. "

Sample of Sources Used:

Bellafante, Gina. "At Home with Phyllis Schlafly: A Feminine Mystique All Her Own." New York Times. 30 March 2006. 1 Dec. 2006. <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/30/garden/30phyllis.html? pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=7f66c6838bee8fd8&ex=1301374800 &partner=rssnyt&emc=rss>.
Critchlow, Donald T. Phyllis Schlafly and Grassroots Conservatism: A Woman's Crusade. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2005.
EagleForum.org - Leading the Pro-Family Movement Since 1972. 4 Dec. 2006. Eagle Forum. 4 Dec. 2006. <http://www.eagleforum.org>.
Kolbert, Elizabeth. "Firebrand: Phyllis Schlafly and the Conservative Revolution." The New Yorker. 7 Nov. 2005: 134.
Marshal, Susan E. "Ladies Against Women: Mobilization Dilemmas of Antifeminist Movements." Social Problems. 32.4 (1985): 348-370.