Table Of ContentThe Price of Progressive Politics
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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
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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
