Kate Knutson

 

| Department of Political Science

  
   
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Research Interests

American Politics, Public Policy, Religion, Interest Groups, Media

Interfaith Advocacy

I recently published the book Interfaith Advocacy: The Role of Religious Coalitions in the Political Process (Routledge, 2013) based on research conducted with Jackie Schwerm ('11) on the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition.  This project was funded by a Gustavus Presidential Faculty-Student Collaboration Grant.

I am currently working on writing a comprehensive history of the JRLC, an interfaith advocacy group active in Minnesota politics. 

Mommy Blog Politics

My newest project involves uncovering the political influence of Mommy Blogs--blogs primarily written and read by a new generation of stay-at-home moms.  Using internet technology, mommy bloggers are able to disseminate information that has important political consequences faster, and more effectively than ever before.  From concern about the health risks of childhood immunizations to the use of BPA in plastics, messages spread through mommy blogs have made significant political impacts.