The Personal is Political

Sittenfeld uses the theme of the personal is political to show how for women, personal life and political life are inseparable. The phrase the personal is political was first coined in the 1970s, and embraced by feminists as they advocated for change. Sittenfeld’s embrace of this theme shows how for women to succeed - they have to navigate this tricky link between the personal and political. First, Sittenfeld uses this theme to show how personal relationships are inherently political for women. Next, Sittenfeld uses this theme to show how attacks on women running for office are inherently political - whether Black or white. Finally, Sittenfeld uses this theme to show the bind of sexism for women - that the personal becomes the political unfairly burdens women, even if the personal scandal is a man’s fault.

First, Sittenfeld uses this theme to...