The Frames and Tactics of the Women's Representation Movement

Abstract

Studies of social movements have yet to examine the modern women’s political representation movement, a social movement industry made up of nonprofit organizations, foundations, activist groups, and political action committees aiming to create gender parity within U.S. political systems. Using in-depth interviews with fifteen leaders of organizations within the women’s representation movement, this study reveals multi-faceted dynamics at play when tactics and frames are developed within organizations of this social movement industry. Findings reveal that frame and tactical development are influenced by several key factors, such as: cohort collaboration, funders, an established hierarchy of old versus new social movement organizations competing for resources, and the professional experiences held by movement leaders. This study also finds an unexpected connection between perceptions of the partisan nature of the movement’s frames and tactics and women’s experiences in the movement. By shedding light on how frames and tactics are developed, I am contributing to both our understanding of successful organizational practices within the movement, and the overall process of frame and tactic development within social movement scholarship.