Sex Scandals in American Politics: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Construction and Aftermath of Contemporary Political Sex Scandals

Alison Dagnes

Sep. 2011 · Bloomsbury Publishing USA

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From the misbehavior of President Clinton to Governor Mark Sanford's Argentinean tryst, sex scandals have become a prominent feature of American public life. This unique collection of essays explains why politicians elected for their leadership and promises of ethical behavior risk their career, and the socio-political consequences of their actions. It argues that political sex scandals are distinct from other types of sex scandals because the nature of elected office is very different from "civilian" life. The construction, disgrace, and aftermath of political sex scandals are examined from different academic angles, including the politics of place, human communication, political psychology, media, sociology, feminism, and criminology. The essays delve into the role of culture and geography on the political outcome of a scandal, the rhetoric of apologia, the psychology of risk, trends and patterns in media coverage, the impact on different organized interests, legal ramifications, and how different countries view political sex scandal.This accessible work will engage anyone studying American politics, political behavior, political communication as well as sociological issues and the role of the media.

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Alison Dagnes is Associate
Professor of Political Science at Shippensburg University, USA. After being a producer at C-SPAN in Washington, she moved to academia and now teaches courses
on American government and politics. Her research interests focus on American
political behavior and ideology in modern American politics. She is the author
of Politics on Demand: The Effects of 24-Hour News on American Politics
(Praeger, 2010)