The Pink Wave - by William W Parsons & Regina M Matheson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This book provides a contemporary picture of what it looks like for women state level political candidates to run for office during times of insurgency politics and highlights the relevance of the Trump effect for women running for state legislative seats during the 2018 and 2020 election cycles"--

Book Synopsis

How and why the election of Donald Trump inspired more women to enter politics

Donald Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election shocked and dismayed many women, and motivated many to run for office at all levels of government. In The Pink Wave, Regina M. Matheson and William W. Parsons explore this inspiring phenomenon and its impact on women's representation.

Drawing on national surveys and in-depth interviews of over 900 women, across almost every state, Matheson and Parsons show us why more women decided to run for state legislature during the Trump administration, the obstacles they faced on the campaign trail, and whether they ultimately succeeded or failed in their bid for office. Candidates share valuable lessons they learned from their recent campaign experiences, providing future insight for women--on both sides of the aisle--who may be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Matheson and Parsons examine the impact Donald Trump had on women candidates--both positive and negative--and women's ambitions to pursue political office. The Pink Wave celebrates the hundreds of trailblazing women creating new political opportunities for representation, now and in the future.

Review Quotes

"The Pink Wave provides new and compelling evidence about the individual experiences and decisions of women who run in the United States. Through their voices, women explain their motivations to run, and the barriers and opportunities they face....demonstrates the enduring hope in our leaders today who pave the way for greater gender diversity in Congress for the future."-- "Gender and Society"

"Provides new evidence that complements existing research on women's motivations to run for office--including ambition, women's views of their own qualifications, time and family responsibilities, party recruitment and support, and the cultural factors that limit women's motivations and success."-- "Social Forces"

"The inclusion of candidates in both competitive and noncompetitive districts--not just successful candidates--gives the authors the freedom to creatively delve into new topics while also examining previous scholarship ... Recommended for elections researchers, students, prospective candidates, and campaign staff."-- "CHOICE"

"The Pink Wave examines the current national political climate, as well as the barriers that have historically discouraged women from seeking office. Matheson and Parsons are thorough in their examination of women's decisions to run and their experiences as candidates....Easy and enjoyable to read."--Dianne G. Bystrom, co-editor of Women in the American Political System: An Encyclopedia of Women as Voters, Candidates, and Office Holders

About the Author

William W. Parsons (Author)
William W. Parsons is Professor in the Department of Political Science at St. Ambrose University, and the co-author of Criminal Justice and the Policy Process.

Regina M. Matheson (Author)
Regina M. Matheson is Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at St. Ambrose University. She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from Oklahoma State University in 2000.