Description
Book SynopsisThe Pacific Northwest of America is known for its diverse, unusual politics. There are thriving gay and lesbian communities and populations of staunchly conservative Christians. Both groups wield political power. How do members of these groups perceive the political climates that surround them?
Trade ReviewPerceptions of political climates and the impact of these perceptions on social change are at the heart of Thomas Linneman's fascinating study of Christian conservatives and lesbians/gays. Using surveys, in-depth interviews, and content analyses of newspapers, he uncovers another side of social movements, namely, the role of social contexts in creating narratives about unique worlds that push people to mobilize against oppression. He persuasively describes how Christian conservatives and lesbians/gays in two very different cities organize, perceive, and make sense of their lives and explains how their intersecting views contribute to the development of social activism. -- Peter M. Nardi,author of Gay Men's Friendships
Succeeds in breaking through stereotypes, dogmas, and especially media representations in a major community-based study that humanizes both sidescreating a richer understanding of the complex social realities that exist on each side of the so-called 'culture wars.' I know of no other work of its kind. -- Gilbert Herdt,Professor and Director, Program in Human Sexuality Studies and National Sexuality Resource Center, San Francisco State University
An important contribution to the sociology of religion as well as to political sociology. With the currency of Linneman's topics and the skill of his coverage, the book should appeal to students and researchers alike. * Sociology of Religion *
A fascinating account. * Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments 1 Experiencing Political Climates 2 Watching the Media 3 Reading the Public Mind4 Engaging the Government 5 Being in the Communities 6 Re?ecting on the Other7 Changing the Climates 8 Concluding Thoughts Appendix: Methods Notes Bibliography Index About the Author
