The Price of Progressive Politics: The Welfare Rights Movement in an Era of Colorblind Racism PDF
Preview The Price of Progressive Politics: The Welfare Rights Movement in an Era of Colorblind Racism
The Price of Progressive Politics This page intentionally left blank The Price of Progressive Politics The Welfare Rights Movement in an Era of Colorblind Racism Rose Ernst a New York University Press New York and London NEW YORK UNIVERSITY PRESS New York and London www.nyupress.org © 2010 by New York University All rights reserved Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Ernst, Emily Rose, 1978– The price of progressive politics : the welfare rights movement in an era of colorblind racism / Rose Ernst. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978–0–8147–2248–0 (cl : alk. paper) ISBN-10: 0–8147–2248–2 (cl : alk. paper) ISBN-13: 978–0–8147–2257–2 (ebook) ISBN-10: 0–8147–2257–1 (ebook) 1. Welfare rights movement—United States. 2. Welfare recipients— United States—Public opinion. 3. Public welfare in mass media. 4. Racism—United States. 5. Racism in social services—United States. I. Title. HV91.E76 2010 361.6’140973—dc22 2010011996 New York University Press books are printed on acid-free paper, and their binding materials are chosen for strength and durability. We strive to use environmentally responsible suppliers and materials to the greatest extent possible in publishing our books. Manufactured in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Contents Acknowledgments vii 1 Introduction 1 2 To Each Her Own: Race and Class in Gendered Coalitions 19 3 Closing Rank: Power and Colorblindness 37 4 Pulling Rank: Gender and Class Colorblindness 65 5 Breaking Rank: Race and Class Consciousness 91 6 Crossing Over: Rethinking Movement Organization 117 7 Critical Alliances: Intersecting National Coalitions 141 Appendix A: Interview Protocol 153 Appendix B: Characteristics of Activists 157 Appendix C: Organizations 159 Appendix D: NOW Newsletters 161 Notes 163 References 175 Index 183 About the Author 189 | v This page intentionally left blank Acknowledgments I cannot begin to thank all those who contributed to the writing of this book. Though I alone remain responsible for its sometimes provocative prose, I will attempt to put my gratitude into words. Although one might read this book as a pessimistic view of humanity, all the activists and communities I met through this work are a testament to the limitless power of care. The deep commitment of these welfare rights activ- ists to social change is remarkable. In addition to sharing often personal and painful experiences with me, they also opened their homes to me; they wel- comed me to join in their direct actions, meetings, and family dinners. In particular, I would like to thank the following women: Cynthia, Elaine, and Trina for their hospitality, wisdom, good food, openness, and for introducing me to Appalachia; Gwen, a one-woman welfare rights machine, for intro- ducing me to the political landscape of Houston; the women in Minneapolis who let me join in their direct actions and watch them school state legislators in the world of welfare; and Chinaza, who welcomed me to national organiz- ing in D.C. I owe a particular debt of gratitude to my welfare rights friends in our own organization: Erin, Erica, Jan, Selene, Yolanda, and Zeondra. I would also like to thank my extraordinarily supportive committee and faculty at the University of Washington. Andrea Simpson is living proof that mentors—in the true sense of the word—do exist in graduate school and beyond. Her commitment to graduate students’ and junior scholars’ success and growth is astounding. Brilliant, yet grounded, is perhaps the best way to describe her. Andrea’s imprint on this project may be seen from start to finish. Her faith in me, as a person and as a scholar, is a gift that has sus- tained me throughout this process. George Lovell, who graciously became my chair after Andrea’s departure, also deserves much of the credit for this project. George’s meticulous feedback, support during and after my field- work, and willingness to listen to my (many) complaints made completion of this project possible. Naomi Murakawa jumped into this project with enthu- siasm and provided critical insights into research design at the prospectus | vii stage and beyond. Michael McCann offered very thoughtful comments and continual support for my fieldwork. Mark Smith’s invaluable research-design advice and flexibility allowed me space to think creatively about my field- work. Though she was not part of my committee, Dara Strolovitch, at the University of Minnesota, deserves special thanks for her encouragement and helpful advice at multiple points during this project. My colleagues at Seattle University have also provided support and advice at the manuscript stage of the book. Angelique Davis, a friend as well as a colleague, read portions of the manuscript and was always there to listen. Connie Anthony also provided guidance on navigating the book publishing process. The members of my Postcolonial Justice Faculty Fellow Group— Nalini Iyer, Tayyab Mahmud, Gary Perry, Jeff Staley, and Sharon Suh—all provided valuable advice about the revision of portions of the manuscript. Fellow members of the Seattle University Department of Political Science as well as my colleagues in Women Studies all provided the needed encourage- ment to finish the book. Support for my fieldwork was provided by a generous grant from the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies. I would also like to thank Bob Dug- gan for his support through the Martha H. Duggan Fellowship for Caring Labor, which provided financial support to complete the project. At New York University Press, Ilene Kalish provided the encouragement and support needed to help me complete the manuscript. Aiden Amos also answered my sometimes esoteric questions about the editing process. The anonymous reviewers of my manuscript offered insightful critiques and sug- gestions, which were enormously valuable in the final draft stage. I count myself lucky to have had a wonderful graduate-student cohort full of friends who happen to also be colleagues. First, to the “Bond” girls: Umut Aydin, Kristin Bakke, Ceren Belge, and Erica Johnson. They are proof that it is possible to be a poised, fun, and stylish genius. They all supplied advice and critique at all stages of the project. I would also like to thank Graeme Boushey, Christian Breunig, Onnie Grissom, Arda Ibikoglu, Rachel Joiner, Amy Koski, Chris Koski, Tuna Kuyucu, Sebastien Lazardeux, Neil Parekh, and Pam Stumpo. Alex Berger, David Koren, Andy Taubman, and Rachel Rosenman all kept me levelheaded throughout this process. Most of all, this project is the result of my family’s love and continued support. My uncle Mike taught me that care and curiosity can be one and the same. My grandparents taught me the importance of family. Ben, my brother, the funniest and most patient teenager I know, always kept me entertained, and reminded me that the Supreme Court has roundly rejected viii | Acknowledgments prior restraint. My dad, who gave me a passion for a just politics, has always encouraged me to do whatever I want and supported me in it. My mom has always been there for me; she even edited some of my most confusing chapters without complaint. Finally, Seva, who fortunately came into my life toward the beginning of this process, always reminded me what was most important. Acknowledgments | ix
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