Abstract

This essay deals with a research in progress tracing the evolving role of the first lady inside the US political system. One particular aim is to highlight some of the cruxes of the question and suggest lines of research. The peculiar features and process of semi-institutionalization of the first lady should be seen in relation both to the changing institution of the presidency and to the evolution of women in politics. It is intended to take the analysis beyond individual first lady personalities and focus on their role as a useful window onto the complex relations between the public, political sphere and the private one.