Shaping Abortion Discourse: Democracy and the Public Sphere in Germany and the United States

Using controversy over abortion as a lens through which to compare the political process and role of the media in these two very different democracies, this book examines the contest over meaning that is being waged by social movements, political parties, churches and other social actors. Abortion is a critical battleground for debates over social values in Germany and the U.S., but the constitutional premises on which arguments rest differ, as do the strategies that movements and parties adopt and the opportunities for influence that are open to them.

"Shaping Abortion Discourse is an outstanding empirical study of media coverage of abortion politics in the United States and Germany." American Journal of Sociology

"How do societal contexts shape the way people talk about abortion? This theoretically sophisticated and empirically rich comparative study of abortion discourse in Germany and the US seeks to provide answers to this question.... If this were not enough, the authors also seek to assess the quality of discourse, and in so doing, explore larger issues that can be drawn about the public sphere in contemporary liberal democracies. This highly ambitious book deserves sustained attention and a wide readership. Highly recommended." "Choice cultural and political debate will benefit academics, political leaders, members of the clergy, and students of political science. Recommended." Choice

"Shaping Abortion Discourse is a fascinating study and a great intellectual inspiration for students who are looking into the role of the media in democracy."
Barbara Pfetsch and Silke Adam, Political Communication