Jane J. Mansbridge

This is a fascinating look at why the Equal Rights Amendment failed to pass, looking particularly at Illinois. Mansbridge found that techniques that create a high profile, e.g. demonstrations, may actually have backlash effect in actually getting votes. The high profile activities proved to be better for increasing the membership of national organization than persuading legislators. Mansbridge contrasted the feminists' effectiveness with that of Phyllis Schlafly and the Eagle Forum. She judged the latter to be more effective because they have an ongoing agenda rather than appearing at irregular intervals for special causes.… (more)