Women and Politics in Latin America [Paperback]

Nikki Craske (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0813526930 | ISBN-13: 978-0813526935 | Publication Date: March 1, 1999

This book provides a comprehensive view of women's political participation in Latin America. Focusing on the latter half of the twentieth century, it examines five different arenas of action and debate: political institutions, workplaces, social movements, revolutions, and feminisms. Nikki Craske explores the ways in which women have become more effective in the public arena as the context of politics has altered. Craske demonstrates how gender relations shape political institutions and practices while simultaneously being shaped by them. She examines the moments when women's action has challenged received ideas and had a significant impact on the political life of Latin American nations. Women remain heavily under-represented in political life, despite their important role in popular movements against authoritarianism. Craske posits that the economy is a substantial constraint on women's political participation. This powerful book analyzes the gains made since the 1950s while scrutinizing the challenges and difficulties that still constrain women's political participation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

" Craske defines 'politics' in a broad and inclusive sense and shows that, in spite of considerable difficulties and obstacles, there have been important shifts recently in gender relations and the nature of politics and political practice in Latin America." - Tessa Cubitt, Academic Development Centre, University of Portsmouth. -- Tessa Cubitt

"In her wide-ranging survey, Women and Politics in Latin America, Nikki Craske has combined a wealth of empirical detail with theoretical insight, to produce a book which will be essential reading on the subject." - Maxine Molyneux, Institute of Latin American Studies, University of London. -- Maxine Molyneux

"This well-written, thorough, and accessible book presents a fine, updated overview of the challenges facing women in Latin America." - Orin Starn, author of the Nightwatch: The Politics of Protest in the Andes -- Orin Starn

Review

'In her wide-ranging survey, Women and Politics in Latin America, Nikki Craske has combined a wealth of empirical detail with theoretical insight, to produce a book which will be essential reading on the subject.' Maxine Molyneux, Institute of Latin American Studies, University of London

'Craske defines "politics" in a broad and inclusive sense and shows that, in spite of considerable difficulties and obstacles, there have been important shifts recently in gender relations and the nature of politics and political practice in Latin America. She tests and finds wanting many current assumptions about women in the Latin American political process, and makes a valuable contribution to the gendered politics debate by the use of empirical evidence from a range of situations in the region.' Tessa Cubitt, Academic Development Centre, University of Portsmouth

'This is a comprehensive analysis of women's role in politics in contemporary Latin America, drawing on first-hand fieldwork and wide-ranging secondary sources. Craske's awareness of relevant theoretical discussions (centred on the complex politics of 'motherhood'), and sensitivity to the context of democratization and widespread neoliberal reform, makes it particularly valuable both for students of the region, and for comparative students of women's participation in politics.' Paul Cammack, Department of Government, University of Manchester

'There are many books which try to serve two audiences - the undergraduate and the academic - but few do so with such coherence, engagement, clarity and enthusiasm for the subject as Nikki Craske's book. I used this text on a module last summer and all those who used it found it to be clear, comprehensive and fascinating, as I did ... Put it on the reading list, and save a copy for yourself.' The Ethnic Conflict Research Digest

'Craske's aim, at root, is to re-evaluate the relation between women and politics in a period of apparent decline and dienchantment.' Bulletin of Hispanic Studies

"Craske's book provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarship on women's political participation, including some of her own original research on Argentina, Chile and Mexico.(and).because it synthesizes the existing research on women's participation, is appropriate not only for seasoned scholars of Latin American women and politics but also for graduate students and advanced undergraduates seeking broad knowledge of the subject." Patricia Hipsher, Oklahoma State University, Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs

"(an) interesting book" Jon Beasley-Murray, University of Aberdeen, Bulletin of Hispanic Studies --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813526930
• ISBN-13: 978-0813526935
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,260,928 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Globalizing gender Studies, January 9, 2002

By 

Olga M. Lazin "book lover" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Women and Politics in Latin America (Hardcover)

Finally a comprehensive textbook, of real pedagogical value for professors, ready to incorporate Women and Politics in Latin America in their syllabi. The survey and analysis of machismo is exhilarating.
great job!