From Library Journal
This book, based on the author's dissertation research, examines women's roles in the AIDS and breast-cancer activist movements. Boehmer interviewed 37 women of varied ethnicity and socioeconomic backgrounds to find out why they became activists in these organizations. Using feminist theory, she explains their motivations and their individual definitions of activism. Women who participate in activist organizations have both personal and political reasons for doing so. They may have the disease or know someone who does; they may wish to encourage research, improve care for patients, or end the discrimination associated with illness. By analyzing group dynamics, Boehmer demonstrates how activists can work effectively to attain their goals. Notes and an extensive bibliography will be useful for researchers. Recommended for academic libraries and women's studies collections.
-Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
About the Author
Ulrike Boehmer is Research Health Scientist and Instructor at the School of Public Health, Boston University. She is the coauthor of Die Welt gehrt uns doch! Zusammenschluss lesbischer Frauen in der Schweiz der 30er Jahre.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
