A normal woman, indeed, no more believes in democracy in…
““A normal woman, indeed, no more believes in democracy in the nation than she believes in democracy at her own fireside; she knows that there must be a class to order and a class to obey, and that the two can never coalesce. Nor is she, susceptible to the stock sentimentalities upon which the whole democratic process is based. This was shown very dramatically in them United States at the national election of 1920, in which the late Woodrow Wilson was brought down to colossal and ignominious defeat—The first general election in which all American women could vote. All the sentimentality of the situation was on the side of Wilson, and yet fully three-fourths of the newly-enfranchised women voters voted against him.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Women voters in 1920 rejected sentimental appeals, favoring class hierarchy over democratic idealism.
In simple terms: Women voted against sentiment, preferring order.
Key Takeaway
Recognize class influences in politics.
Themes
politics
gender
democracy
class
voting
sentimentality
Mood
analytical
critical
historical
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- election analysis
- historical study
- gender studies
- political strategy
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
class conflict
political behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How do class structures shape voting behavior?
- Can sentimentality ever outweigh rational class interests?
A Different Perspective
Class-based voting may overlook individual agency.