Abstract

This paper will address the tea party movement: its birth, leadership membership and aspirations. The gender component of this party will be highlighted as well as other demographics. What are the ideology and goals of the movement – connections to existing political parties in the United States and abroad , as well as conservative groups? The paper will analyse the structure of the Tea Party, as well as its role in elections to date. Are a significant number of members , activists and candidates women ; do they have a particular focus and role in the group ? What is the connection between former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and the Tea Party; is it likely to provide a base for herfuture political office seeking ? As the Tea Party is viewed favorably by about 40% of Americans polled, it is not to be taken lightly as a new social movement/party. The Tea party was born on February 27 2010 . There is controversy as to whether it is a real populist movement or a front for big business. To date there seems to be no one leader, and the party claims a decentralized organization and disavows connections with any political party . Many members also profess prior apolitical status . Some view the Tea Party as creating a “cult of personality” around Sarah Palin, who has addressed the group – this paper will explore that connection more fully.