Politics of Sex

Susan B. Hansen is Professor Emerita in the Department of Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh.

• 1. The Politics of Sex 2. Social Issues and the Survey Response. 3. Public Opinion and Social Issues . 4. Religion, Religiosity, and Opinions on Social Issues. 5. Political Strategy and the Politics of Sex. 6. Morality, Scandals, and Candidate Character Traits. 7. Morality, Values, and Politics in Presidential Elections, 1980-2008. 8. The Politics of Sex in 2010. 9. "Shiny objects:" Social Issues and the 2012 Election. 10. Conclusion.

"The Politics of Sex teaches us that culture war politics are alive and well, even if the battleground has shifted. The Republicans continue to fight the last war, while the Democrats have adapted to a changing electorate. Anyone who wants to understand the politics of the recent past—and the future—should read this book."—David E. Campbell, University of Notre Dame, co-author of American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us"The Politics of Sex upends conventional wisdom on the role of social and moral issues in American politics. In this clear and accessible book, Hansen lays bare the increasingly secular nature of the American electorate and the growing influence of their views in recent presidential and Congressional elections. This is an important book that will change the way scholars view American politics and the future trajectory of the Republican and Democratic parties."—Leonie Huddy, SUNY at Stony Brook"In The Politics of Sex, Susan Hansen has once again written a book that is likely to inspire, provoke, and stimulate readers in the academy and the broader informed public. Her claim that Democrats now benefit from the politics of sex fits well with many recent campaigns, and makes the broader point that changes in demographics and public opinion can change the partisan tilt of an issue domain. Highly recommended to students of public opinion, religion and politics, gender politics, electoral politics, and the politics of social issues."—Clyde Wilcox, Georgetown University