Abortion Politics in Congress

Strategic Incrementalism and Policy Change

Thad E Hall author Scott H Ainsworth author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:13th Dec '10

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Abortion Politics in Congress cover

This insightful analysis explores how legislators navigate personal beliefs and procedural norms regarding abortion policy in Abortion Politics in Congress.

In Abortion Politics in Congress, the authors delve into the intricate relationship between legislators' personal convictions regarding abortion and the procedural norms of Congress. They explore how external influences, such as public opinion, alongside internal dynamics, like the ideological makeup of committees and party affiliations, shape the evolution of abortion policy. This multifaceted analysis reveals the complexities that lawmakers navigate as they attempt to balance their beliefs with the legislative process.

Scott H. Ainsworth and Thad E. Hall introduce a formal model of strategic incrementalism, demonstrating that legislators often have compelling reasons to pursue gradual changes in policy rather than sweeping reforms. By examining the sponsorship of abortion-related proposals and their journey through committee referrals, the authors highlight that both Democratic and Republican legislators frequently introduce measures aimed at making incremental shifts in abortion policy. This indicates that the topic of abortion is not confined to a singular debate but rather intersects with a variety of legislative discussions.

Abortion Politics in Congress ultimately underscores the pervasive nature of abortion debates within the broader political landscape. The authors argue that these discussions extend beyond the issue itself, influencing a wide array of topics and involving numerous committees. The book provides valuable insights into the strategic maneuvering of legislators as they engage with one of the most contentious issues in American politics.

'This book proposes a new understanding of why political actors with extreme opinions might support only marginal adjustments to existing policies. The case of abortion would seem to preclude half-way positions, but Ainsworth and Hall's 'strategic incrementalism' explains what previously appeared a puzzle. The work will have a major impact on how we think of how politicians stake out their public positions on issues of controversy.' Frank Baumgartner, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
'This book raises intriguing possibilities about representation and lawmaking, and it holds together nicely. Ainsworth and Hall have woven together a coherent account of policymaking that brings in two sides of the story: the representational side, how members of Congress relate to their constituents, and the organizational side, how Congress passes legislation. It will gain attention from scholars and students of American politics across a range of subfields.' Ken Kollman, Professor of Political Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
'With this book, Ainsworth and Hall make a significant and compelling contribution to our understanding of issue politics, the legislative process, and ideological trends over time. Their innovative theory and use of sophisticated modeling to study this issue forges a new path for students of congressional politics.' Wendy Schiller, Brown University
'The authors' analysis is nuanced and yields robust and substantively significant findings.' Political Studies

ISBN: 9780521515818

Dimensions: 235mm x 158mm x 18mm

Weight: 450g

240 pages