Security Mom

The term security mom emerged in 2003 to describe a group of swing voters primarily concerned with national security. Said to have evolved from soccer moms after the September 11, 2001, attacks, security moms were predicted to determine the outcome of the 2004 presidential elections. However, research since that time has questioned the cohesive existence of this group, its characteristics, and its impact on election outcomes.

Who was this supposed security mom? According to the stereotype described by the media and political pundits, she was white, middle class, a married mother, a much coveted swing voter, and more fearful than men about the threat of war. September 11 had changed her political priorities and 2004 voting decisions from domestic concerns. She both affirmed the social construction ...