Democratic Activist Katherine Adam Collaborates on Book with Noted Social Critic

What is it about the Democratic Party that makes you believe in them and what they can do for the future of America?

Since the days of FDR, the Democratic Party has been the force in politics fighting for those who don’t have a voice, Although Charlie and I are critical about many things about the party, we feel strongly that putting Democrats in office is a critical part of creating progressive social change.

What role did you play in Howard Dean’s and John Kerry’s campaigns? What was it like?

I participated in work on the ground—going door-to-door, making phone calls, doing visibility, organizing other volunteers. The energy of a presidential campaign is addictive!

Are you still involved in campaigning?

I might get more involved when the general election rolls around, but for now, I’m really interested in writing about politics.

Let’s move on to The New Feminized Majority. Now, Charlie and you knew one another before collaborating on this book. Is that correct?

The book is an adaptation of my Boston College undergraduate thesis, for which Charlie was my advisor.

When and why did the two of you decide to write The New Feminized Majority?

I’ve always been really interested in the intersection between gender and politics, especially how gender dynamics play out in the Democratic Party. I started writing in the fall of 2007, at a time when the primary season was just getting into full swing. I worked with Charlie all school year, and then we adapted the project into a book the summer after my college graduation.

This is your first published book. Are you excited? How has the experience of seeing The New Feminized Majority published differed for you than for Charlie, who has authored several books?

Well, you’ll have to ask Charlie how this experience has been for him! But, for me, this has been the most exciting experience of my life. When I started writing the thesis, I was just grateful that BC was giving me the time and space to research such an interesting subject. I loved the conversations Charlie and I would have in our thesis meetings. Even if the work was never published, it still would have been an incredibly worthwhile project. However, it is pretty cool to see it on the shelves.