University Press of Kentucky Authors Justin S. Vaughn and Lilly J. Goren Win 2014 Susan Koppelman Award

University Press of Kentucky authors Justin S. Vaughn and Lilly J. Goren have been named the co-recipients of the 2014 Susan Koppelman Award for the Best Anthology, Multi-Authored, or Edited Book in Feminist Studies for their book Women and the White House: Gender, Popular Culture, and Presidential Politics. This award, presented by the Popular Culture Association/American Culture Association, was established in 1985 to honor renowned feminist literary historian, Susan Koppelman, who edited the first anthology of feminist literary criticism. The PCA/ACA strives to stimulate an international interest in popular culture studies through the establishment and promotion of conferences, publications, and discussion. The award was presented on April 17 at the 2014 PCA/ACA annual convention held at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois.

With a strong, multidisciplinary approach, Women and the White House: Gender, Popular Culture, and Presidential Politics examines how the president and the first lady exist as a function of public expectations and cultural gender roles. Vaughn and Goren lead a team of distinguished scholars who consider the way our contemporary political culture frames the role of gender in politics and how citizens are encouraged-if not instructed-to observe and engage with female political leaders. Portrayals of the first family have long been shaped by public perceptions of life in the White House, and in turn, how they reflect trends in the nation's changing ideas of what makes an ideal family. Initiating a wider discussion about the possibility of a female president in the United States, Women and the White House looks at the ways in which popular perceptions of gender will impact her leadership, and the cultural challenges she will face.

Lilly J. Goren is professor of political science and global studies at Carroll University and the editor of You've Come a Long Way, Baby: Women Politics, and Popular Culture.

Justin S. Vaughn is assistant professor of political science at Boise State University.

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