Institutional Barriers for Women in US Politics
Social Institutional Expectations & Gender Roles
(Based on Sue Thomas and Schroedel)
Female Political Firsts
- Female firsts like Angela Merkel (Germany), Michelle Bachelet (Chile), and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (Liberia) serve as flag bearers of political change, equality, and feminism.
- The USA has never had a woman president, although two women have served as Secretary of State.
Questions for a Potential US Female President
- Will she be a Democrat or Republican, Liberal or Conservative?
- Will she be a Senator or Governor?
- Will she be elected directly or assume office through other means?
- Will she have a strong record in foreign and domestic affairs?
- Will she be perceived as a self-made woman?
- What role will her religious identity play, and how much credibility will it lend her?
- How significant a role will women’s rights play in her election campaign?
- How might this affect her positions on issues like abortion and marriage equality?
Our stereotypes and expectations about the traditional roles of men and women affect societal and institutional dynamics, structures, and ideologies.
The authors argue that as long as the USA perceives distinct gender roles, the role of the President will likely remain a male one. An exception might be made for an “exceptional” woman who runs and even wins, but she will still be viewed as the exception until society eradicates its perception of gendered roles. Only then will a woman running for President—and serving as such—be accepted as the norm. Consequently, women’s issues will no longer be seen as special interest or marginal issues but as mainstream concerns, handled by a woman president just like any other president before her, addressing matters such as foreign policy, terrorism, and education.
Public Opinion on Gender Equality
- While most people today claim to support gender equality, a significant portion of the population still does not support equal roles for men and women in practice.
- Men are often expected to hold jobs based on perceived ‘manly qualities,’ and women serving in these roles are often seen as exceptions.
- Although most people say they support gender equality, many also believe that the US is not ready for a woman president.
- Women must overcome gender stereotypes in the public sphere or conform to them.
- Many people still equate male leadership with strong leadership.
The ‘Double Duty’ Expectation
- Women are often expected to perform a “double duty.” Studies show that even women in politics bear the brunt of the housework.
- This implies that merely extending opportunities for public office is not enough; women running for office still face inherent disadvantages.
Institutional Gendering: The Political World
- Political institutions are often male-dominated and therefore tend to reward stereotypical male attributes, disadvantaging women.
- Institutions frequently marginalize “women’s issues.” Issues like sexual abuse and domestic violence are often only brought to the attention of male lawmakers by their female colleagues.
- Even when these issues are addressed, male lawmakers often receive more recognition than their female counterparts who raised them.
Religious Institutions and Gender Roles
- Some Evangelical Christian interpretations promote highly defined gender roles, sometimes advocating for limitations on women in public roles.
- Their influence in federal, local, and state offices can significantly impact the voting process and political landscape.
- Emphasis on “family values” by socially conservative religious figures in politics can present challenges to women seeking non-traditional roles.
Societal Gendering: Pipeline to Presidency
- Societal gendering can discourage women from running for office.
- Research suggests that the costs for women in such a gendered environment are significant. Women often face discrimination resulting from the misperception that they are not as effective as men.
- This places women in a situation where they feel they must work harder to gain even half the respect that men receive.
“Whatever women do, they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.” – Charlotte Whitton
The Delicate Balance for Female Candidates
- Issues traditionally considered “women’s issues,” such as family life, childcare, and education, are often relegated in importance during campaigns.
- This may require female candidates to broaden their appeal, sometimes by downplaying these topics to attract a wider range of voters, including men.