Graduation Date
Summer 2018
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Applied Anthropology
Committee Chair Name
Rebecca Robertson
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Prof. Mary Scoggin
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Prof. Llyn Smith
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Conservative women, Agency, Double standard, Election 2016
Subject Categories
Anthropology
Abstract
In the American General election of 2016, the political discourse in the popular media demonstrated a nationwide expectation that female voters and their allies would elect the first female head of state on election day. As the President and his administration assumed control, many of those who had expected a different electoral result expressed bewilderment after learning that 53% of white, female conservative women chose the Republican male candidate Donald Trump for President. Narratives critical of the voting behavior of conservative women were prevalent. This discourse was informed by a blame and shame paradigm of accusations ranging from racism, lack of agency and selfishness. This project aimed to critically scrutinize this partisan discourse. I tested the veracity of these claims and obtained an understanding of the motives and political perspectives of conservative women in order to have an appreciation of their voting behavior. I designed an online survey and posted it on websites all over the country and I provided conservative women with a platform from which to speak for themselves. Additionally, I conducted one-on-one interviews with 11 women from the east and west coasts of U.S. The information and data obtained from these actions are the basis for my analysis and critique. The deep stories from the interview participants indicate agentive behavior, entrenched belief systems and a degree of estrangement from parts of the larger society. I believe that further scholarly study of this group is a necessity. The voting behavior of women in general is understudied as the unsubstantiated claim that they represent a voting bloc indicates. Additionally, there is a substantial dearth of research on conservative women in particular. Researchers can and should provide more valuable insights and increase the overall understanding of conservative women voters. If this understudied group briefly had a public platform of its own, then one part of my research goal will have been accomplished.
Citation Style
CHICAGO
Recommended Citation
Benne, Laura F. MS, "The 2016 election: Conservative female voters agentive, adversarial and resolutely republican" (2018). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 194.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/194