First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) is probably the worst job in American politics. There is no job description, it is a role you cannot refuse, it is unpaid and involves giving up most of your independence and private life; first ladies are not even allowed to drive. Four women have held this role in the twenty-first century: Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Melania Trump and Jill Biden. Each of them has had a unique approach to the challenges the role brings; each has had to chart her own course through social change and the perilous waters of America politics.
- The history of the role of First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) and how it has changed over time
- The approach of each of the twenty-first century first ladies to their role, their personalities, priorities in office and policy agenda
- The social element of being first lady; Americans’ expectations of the first lady and appropriate first lady behaviour
- First Lady controversies and what they demonstrate about wider societal change
- Likely changes to the role of first lady after 2028; will there ever be a first gentleman?
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Describe the role of first lady in respect to American politics and society
- Identify the changes to the role of first lady over time
- Debate whether the changes to the role of first lady reflect differences in personality or larger societal change
