Gender in campaigns
Major issues
The roles of gender
• Gender influences the decision to run for
office
• Gender affects the portrayal of candidates
– By the campaign
– By the media
– By the opposition
• Gender affects the perception of candidates
• Gender influences the behavior of the
electorate
Election of women to office
• Gradual increase over time
• May have stalled in the U.S.
• U.S. is not among the highest in female
percentage of officials
Source: Center for American Women and Politics Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University
Why the disparity?
• Women are less likely to run than are men
• Why Are Women Still Not Running for Public
Office?
• Jennifer L. Lawless and Richard L. Fox
What affects likelihood of running?
Source: Pew Research Center
Generally speaking, women aren't tough
enough for politics
Generally speaking, women don't make as
good leaders as men
Fewer women have the experience for high
office
Women's family responsibilities don't leave
time for politics
Women face discrimination in all areas;
politics is no exception
Women who are active in party politics get
held back by men
Many Americans not ready to elect a
woman to high office
0
Major reason
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Minor reason
Source: Pew Research, 2007
Perceptions of leadership qualities by
gender
Creative
Outgoing
Compassionate
Ambitious
Women
Decisive
Men
Hardworking
Intelligent
Honest
0%
20%
40%
60%
Source: Pew Research Center
80%
100%
Are men or Women in Public Office
Better at . . .
Dealing with national security…
Dealing with crime and public…
Dealing with social issues
Standing up for what they believe
Women
Men
Representing your interests
Keeping government honest
Working out compromises
0
0.1
Source: Pew Research Center
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
Gender and voting behavior
Percentage who voted, by gender
Source: Center for American Women and Politics Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University
Source: Pew, 2009
Gender and attention to the news
Gender and campaign coverage
Gender in campaign coverage
• Gender in campaign coverage at:
– http://www.pbs.org/newshour/video/module_byi
d.html?s=news01n89cq16d
• Race in campaign coverage coverage at:
– http://www.pbs.org/newshour/video/module_byi
d.html?s=news01n85fq160