Synopses & Reviews
Updated in a new 2nd edition, Women and Politics: Paths to Power and Political Influence analyzes the most recent research in the field while maintaining a focus on the historic events and key players in the women’s movement. Profiling a diverse group of political women and their experiences in the world of politics, this book recounts the paths women have taken to gain power, analyzes the elite status female politicians have achieved thus far, and questions the continued underrepresentation of women in politics today.
Review
“My students have found Women and Politics to be an accessible text covering many facets of gender politics often overlooked by other scholars. I look forward to using the second edition, which incorporates the most recent scholarship along with timely coverage of important women in politics such as Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sarah Palin, Michelle Obama, and Sonia Sotomayor.”
–Professor Marian Lief Pally
University of Delaware
Table of Contents
Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Introduction and Theoretical Framework
References
Part I: Women’s Paths to Power
Chapter 2: Women in Social Movements, Interest Groups, and the Political Parties
The Fight for Suffrage
Feminism, the Second Wave (1960s—Present)
The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
Women and Interest Groups
Women and Political Parties
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3: The Gender Gap in Elections and Public Opinion
Courting the Women’s Vote: The Early Years
The Emergence of the Modern Gender Gap
Issues That Explain the Gender Gap
Does the Gender Gap Bring Women Political Power?
Do Women Vote for Women?
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4: The Impact of the Media on Political Women
The News Media in the United States
When Women Unite: Media Coverage of the Women’s Movements and Feminism
The Battles for Suffrage and ERA
Media Coverage of Female Politicians and First Ladies
Women in Media Today: A Fair Balance?
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5: Women as Candidates for Elective Office
Introduction: North Carolina’s 2008 Senate Race
Running for Office in the United States: Who Decides to Run?
Why Women are Less Likely to Run: 4 Theories
Challenges on the Campaign Trail and Strategies for Success
Conclusion
References
Part II: Women in Power
Chapter 6: Women and Local Politics and Government
Women in Local Elective Office
Women in the Bureaucracy
Women in Nongovernmental Organizations and the Business Sector
Conclusion
References
Chapter 7: Women in Congress and the State Legislatures
Women’s Representation in Democratic Legislative Bodies Across the World
Women in Congress and State Legislatures: A Historical Perspective
Women in Congress and State Legislatures: A Distinctive Impact on Policy?
Women in Leadership
Conclusion
References
Chapter 8: Women in the Executive Branch
Women as Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates
Governors and Lieutenant Governors
Women as Presidential and Gubernatorial Appointees
Statewide Elected Executives
Career Executives in the Federal and State Governments
Do Women Make a Difference? Their Policy and Political Impact
Conclusion
References
Chapter 9: Women in the Judiciary
Why the Courts Are Important
History of Women in the Legal Profession and Judiciary
The Difference Women Judges Make
Gender Bias in the Courts
Conclusion
References
Index