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

Many Americans not ready to elect a woman to high office

Women who are active in party politics get held back by men

Women face discrimination in all areas; politics is no exception

Women's family responsibilities don't leave time for politics

Fewer women have the experience for high office

Generally speaking, women don't make as good leaders as men

Generally speaking, women aren't tough enough for politics

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Major reason Minor reason

Source: Pew Research, 2007

Perceptions of leadership qualities by gender

Honest

Intelligent

Hardworking

Decisive

Ambitious

Compassionate

Outgoing

Creative

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

WomenMen

Source: Pew Research Center

Are men or Women in Public Office Better at . . .

Working out compromises

Keeping government honest

Representing your interests

Standing up for what they believe

Dealing with social issues

Dealing with crime and public safety

Dealing with national security and defense

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6

WomenMen

Source: Pew Research Center

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_byid.html?s=news01n89cq16d

• Race in campaign coverage coverage at:– http://www.pbs.org/newshour/video/module_byi

d.html?s=news01n85fq160