State Employees Versus the Religious Right: A Case Study of Grassroots Lobbying for Children

This qualitative case study focused on a conflict which arose between two child advocacy groups in 1993 in North Carolina. One group consisted of nurses, social workers, and public school teachers and administrators; the other group consisted of ministers and church day care providers. At stake was a legislative initiative, Smart Start, which would fund 20 model day care centers in the state, reduce staff-to-child ratios in day care centers, and increase child immunizations. This study was based on participant/observation, interview, and document review; it chronicled the conflict and highlighted group tactics.