Phyllis Schlafly
Phyllis Schlafly – Life, Activism, and Famous Quotes
Learn about Phyllis Schlafly (August 15, 1924 – September 5, 2016), the American conservative activist, attorney, and anti-feminist who led a successful movement against the Equal Rights Amendment and helped redefine modern American conservatism.
Introduction
Phyllis Schlafly was one of the most polarizing and influential figures in 20th century U.S. conservative politics. Best known for her vocal opposition to the women’s movement, especially the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), she was also a prolific writer, organizational leader, and strategist. Through her grassroots activism and media presence, she deeply shaped the discourse over gender, family, and the role of government in America’s cultural wars. Even after her death, her legacy continues to spark debate over feminism, conservatism, and identity in modern politics.
Early Life and Family
Phyllis McAlpin Stewart (later Schlafly) was born on August 15, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri.
She had one younger sister, Odile.
Education and Early Career
Schlafly attended Maryville College briefly, then transferred to Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1944. Harvard / Radcliffe, earning a Master’s degree in government in 1945. Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Washington University School of Law (in 1978) to formalize her credentials in law.
In her early professional years, she worked as a researcher for the American Enterprise Institute and engaged in Republican politics, including helping in campaigns.
Her intellectual formation spanned policy, law, political theory, and organizational work—allowing her later to combine rhetorical skill with grassroots activism.
Activism, Ideas & Achievements
Opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment
Schlafly’s most well-known role was leading the movement against ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the 1970s.
Her organizing arm was the Eagle Forum, founded in 1972, which she led until her death.
Her activism is widely regarded as decisive: the ERA failed to gain enough state ratifications in the 1970s, and many observers credit Schlafly’s strategies and mobilization for halting its passage.
Writing, Publishing & Media Influence
Schlafly was a prolific author. Among her most influential works was A Choice Not an Echo (1964), which criticized moderate and “Eastern establishment” Republicans, advocating a more conservative approach. Over three million copies were sold or distributed.
She wrote or co-wrote over 25 books on topics including feminism, law, public policy, education, and social values.
Through these media efforts, she extended her reach beyond direct activism to shaping public opinion, influencing Republicans, and drawing attention to conservative ideas on gender, family, and law.
Other Political Engagements
Schlafly remained politically active well into her later years. She endorsed Republican candidates consistent with her principles (e.g. for Trump in 2016) and continued advocating for conservative priorities such as anti-abortion, limits on judicial power, and “family values.”
She also involved herself in debates about the judiciary, opposing what she saw as judicial overreach, and wrote books critiquing judges and judicial activism.
Historical Context & Influence
Schlafly’s activism should be seen against the backdrop of second-wave feminism (1960s–1970s), where advocates pushed for equal legal rights, reproductive freedoms, and gender equity. In reaction, a conservative counter-movement emerged—of which Schlafly was a central figure.
She helped anchor the Republican Party increasingly toward social conservatism, influencing its alignment on gender, abortion, and family issues. Her methods—grassroots organizing, mobilizing women on conservative terms, direct lobbying, and media campaigns—became models in later conservative movements.
Her role also provoked strong opposition from feminist organizations, who saw her as impeding legal equality and women's rights. The debates she spurred remain embedded in American political culture.
Personality, Beliefs & Controversies
Schlafly was known for being articulate, tenacious, combative, and fiercely confident in her convictions. She often framed her positions as defending women’s rights (in her view) and protecting social stability, tradition, and religious values.
But she generated intense controversy. Critics argue that her positions were sexist, anti-equality, and exclusionary, especially regarding abortion rights, LGBTQ rights, and feminism. Her statements on issues such as rape, sexual harassment, and the ERA drew strong backlash.
Her role as a woman opposing mainstream feminist causes also created deep paradoxes: she was simultaneously a powerful female figure in politics and a critic of women’s liberation movements.
She remained unrepentant, asserting that many feminist arguments were radical, destructive to families, or misleading. Her followers often saw her as standing for “real rights of women,” as she would put it.
Famous Quotes by Phyllis Schlafly
Here are several notable quotations that reflect her perspectives (listed as she was widely cited):
“The feminist movement taught women to see themselves as victims of an oppressive patriarchy…. Self-imposed victimhood is not a recipe for happiness.” “Women have babies and men provide the support.” “The best way to improve economic prospects for women is to improve job prospects for the men in their lives, even if that means increasing the so-called pay gap.” “The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement.” “Non-criminal sexual harassment on the job is not a problem for the virtuous woman except in the rarest of cases.” “The claim that American women are downtrodden and unfairly treated is the fraud of the century.” “When will American men learn how to stand up to the nagging by the intolerant, uncivil feminists whose sport is to humiliate men?” “ERA means abortion funding, means homosexual privileges, means whatever else.” “What I am defending is the real rights of women. A woman should have the right to be in the home as a wife and mother.”
These quotes illustrate her recurring themes: skepticism of feminist ideology, prioritizing traditional gender roles, and warning of unintended consequences of equality proposals.
Lessons and Reflections
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Political power through grassroots mobilization
Schlafly demonstrated how a relatively small, committed group—if well organized and persistent—can influence constitutional politics. -
Ideas shape movements
Clear, provocative messaging (e.g. her framing of ERA consequences) can galvanize opposition or support, especially when tied to identity, fear, and values. -
Contradictions of a female critic of feminism
Schlafly’s life highlights the complexity of identity and ideology: a woman with public influence opposing many mainstream feminist goals. -
Long-term influence beyond policy wins
Her organizational model and rhetorical style shaped conservative activism for decades—even beyond the direct outcome of her campaigns. -
The power of controversy
Schlafly understood that being polarizing maximized visibility and mobilized both supporters and opponents; for her, conflict was a tool.
Conclusion
Phyllis Schlafly remains a central figure in understanding the cultural and political shifts in late 20th century America. As an activist, she succeeded in stopping—or at least delaying—the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, redefining the Republican coalition toward social conservatism and leaving a contentious legacy in debates over gender, law, and public morals.
Her life is a study in how conviction, organization, and communication can reshape national discourse. Whether one agrees or disagrees with her views, her influence is undeniable—and her words continue to provoke, challenge, and illuminate the enduring tensions in American society.