Suffrage and Its Limits

Reflects on the legacy and limits of suffrage in New York State as a way to understand present-day issues with women's social and political rights, as well proposes ideas for future progress.
Suffrage and Its Limits offers a unique interdisciplinary overview of the legacy and limits of suffrage for the women of New York State. It commemorates the state suffrage centennial of 2017, yet arrives in time to contribute to celebrations around the national centennial of 2020. Bringing together scholars with a wide variety of research specialties, it initiates a timely dialogue that links an appreciation of accomplishments to a clearer understanding of present problems and an agenda for future progress. The first three chapters explore the state suffrage movement, the 1917 victory, and what New York women did with the vote. The next three chapters focus on the status of women and politics in New York today. The final three chapters take a prospective look at the limits of liberal feminism and its unfinished agenda for women’s equality in New York. A preface by Lieutenant Governor Katherine Hochul and a final chapter by activist Barbara Smith bookend the discussion. Combining diverse approaches and analyses, this collection enables readers to make connections between history, political science, public policy, sociology, philosophy, and activism. This study moves beyond merely celebrating the centennial to tackle women’s issues of today and tomorrow.
Kathleen M. Dowley is Associate Professor and Chair of Political Science and International Relations at the State University of New York at New Paltz. Susan Ingalls Lewis is Professor Emerita of History at the State University of New York at New Paltz. Meg Devlin O'Sullivan is Associate Professor of History and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the State University of New York at New Paltz.