The Path to Gay Rights

How Activism and Coming Out Changed Public Opinion

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Gay Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory
Cover of the book The Path to Gay Rights by Jeremiah J. Garretson, NYU Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jeremiah J. Garretson ISBN: 9781479881925
Publisher: NYU Press Publication: June 5, 2018
Imprint: NYU Press Language: English
Author: Jeremiah J. Garretson
ISBN: 9781479881925
Publisher: NYU Press
Publication: June 5, 2018
Imprint: NYU Press
Language: English

An innovative, data-driven explanation of how public opinion shifted on LGBTQ rights

The Path to Gay Rights is the first social science analysis of how and why the LGBTQ movement achieved its most unexpected victory---transforming gay people from a despised group of social deviants into a minority worthy of rights and protections in the eyes of most Americans. The book weaves together a narrative of LGBTQ history with new findings from the field of political psychology to provide an understanding of how social movements affect mass attitudes in the United States and globally.

Using data going back to the 1970s, the book argues that the current understanding of how social movements change mass opinion—through sympathetic media coverage and endorsements from political leaders—cannot provide an adequate explanation for the phenomenal success of the LGBTQ movement at changing the public’s views. In The Path to Gay Rights, Jeremiah Garretson argues that the LGBTQ community’s response to the AIDS crisis was a turning point for public support of gay rights. ACT-UP and related AIDS organizations strategically targeted political and media leaders, normalizing news coverage of LGBTQ issues and AIDS and signaled to LGBTQ people across the United States that their lives were valued. The net result was an increase in the number of LGBTQ people who came out and lived their lives openly, and with increased contact with gay people, public attitudes began to warm and change. Garretson goes beyond the story of LGBTQ rights to develop an evidence-based argument for how social movements can alter mass opinion on any contentious topic.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

An innovative, data-driven explanation of how public opinion shifted on LGBTQ rights

The Path to Gay Rights is the first social science analysis of how and why the LGBTQ movement achieved its most unexpected victory---transforming gay people from a despised group of social deviants into a minority worthy of rights and protections in the eyes of most Americans. The book weaves together a narrative of LGBTQ history with new findings from the field of political psychology to provide an understanding of how social movements affect mass attitudes in the United States and globally.

Using data going back to the 1970s, the book argues that the current understanding of how social movements change mass opinion—through sympathetic media coverage and endorsements from political leaders—cannot provide an adequate explanation for the phenomenal success of the LGBTQ movement at changing the public’s views. In The Path to Gay Rights, Jeremiah Garretson argues that the LGBTQ community’s response to the AIDS crisis was a turning point for public support of gay rights. ACT-UP and related AIDS organizations strategically targeted political and media leaders, normalizing news coverage of LGBTQ issues and AIDS and signaled to LGBTQ people across the United States that their lives were valued. The net result was an increase in the number of LGBTQ people who came out and lived their lives openly, and with increased contact with gay people, public attitudes began to warm and change. Garretson goes beyond the story of LGBTQ rights to develop an evidence-based argument for how social movements can alter mass opinion on any contentious topic.

More books from NYU Press

Cover of the book Brains Confounded by the Ode of Abu Shaduf Expounded, with Risible Rhymes by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book Filipino American Faith in Action by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book Confronting the New Conservatism by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book Gülen by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book Faithful to Fenway by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book America’s Safest City by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book Impossible Witnesses by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book Presidential Powers by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book Clio among the Muses by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book “At This Defining Moment” by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book Humanitarian Intervention by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book The Law as it Could Be by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book Sex, Men, and Babies by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book Save the Bees! by Jeremiah J. Garretson
Cover of the book A Republic of Men by Jeremiah J. Garretson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy