Mobilizing the Faithful

In this chapter, we examine how conservative and right-wing organizations mobilize predominately White, religious women to action. We begin by outlining the importance of networks to mobilization efforts. Then, we discuss how conservative and right-wing women’s groups use religious doctrine as well as gendered assumptions regarding women’s and men’s roles in society to move women from their armchairs to the streets. The second half of the chapter explores the role that celebrity leaders play in attracting new members and highlights the importance of mass media to right-wing and conservative women’s mobilization efforts. Throughout the chapter we discuss the potential barriers that conservative and right-wing organizations face as younger activists with less conservative views and more diverse backgrounds become politically involved. We conclude the chapter by outlining avenues for further research, particularly as it relates to conservative mobilizations targeting women of color.