White Women and the Politics of Racial Inequality

In the past few years, white supremacist ideas and organizations have resurfaced with alarming vigor in American politics. Just weeks before the midterm elections, this conversation will provide a historical perspective on white women’s roles in supporting white supremacy and the political and economic outcomes of their involvement. Suggesting that we broaden our view beyond the violent and masculine dimensions of white supremacist politics, McRae asks us to consider the significant work white women did as public welfare bureaucrats, teachers, storytellers, and voters throughout the twentieth century.

Elizabeth Gillespie McRae is an Associate Professor of History at Western Carolina University. Her new book, Mothers of Massive Resistance, examines “the central role white women played in the crafting of white supremacist politics” from the 1920s through the 1970s. McRae will be interviewed by Katherine Mellen Charron, Associate Professor of History from N.C. State University. Their conversation will focus on white conservative women in the South and their often overlooked influence on American politics.

Special thanks to our co-sponsors the Carolina Women’s Center, UNC Department of Women’s & Gender Studies, UNC Department of History, and the Chapel Hill Public Library.