Gender Politics: Studying the Gender Gap in Politics
Politics remains a male-dominated field. From the five most famous world leaders to the less glamorous but equally powerful major political figures, they are overwhelmingly men. As men continue to dominate the field, understanding the inequalities and lack of representation is essential to developing solutions. To understand the gender gap in politics, a review of the current state of politics, the effects of the gender gap on women, and potential solutions are necessary considerations.
Overview of Current Political Landscape
The current state of politics reflects a global gender gap in representation – men are still more likely to hold positions of power than women. In 2018, men outnumber women four-to-one in the U.K. government, four-to-one in the U.S. Congress, and five-to-one in the French National Assembly. Unfortunately, the gender inequity is not just an issue in the more developed countries. According to the United Nations, “91 of the 193 countries have no women ministers, and only 17 countries have a Cabinet that is gender-balanced with at least 50 percent women ministers.”
Sources of the Problem
There are several factors that contribute to the gender gap in politics – all of which need to be addressed in order to close the gender gap.
Unconscious Bias
Although it may be difficult to identify, unconscious bias is the core source of the problem. Unconscious bias, or implicit bias, is an attitude toward a person or group of people that is formed without conscious thought or intention. It is often an indicator of prejudice, which can lead to discrimination. Unconscious bias can lead to skepticism or questioning of a woman’s ability, competence or even her presence in politics. This is especially true if the woman is of a minority race or background in addition to being a woman.
Positive Stereotypes
Not only do negative stereotypes affect the gender gap in politics, but positive stereotypes can also be discouraging. Positive stereotypes can make women feel that their success is expected and not earned, and the pressure to meet these expectations can lead to under-performance. Furthermore, when a woman fails to live up to the idealistic standard of what a female politician should be, she faces further criticism from her peers.
Underrepresentation in Politics
Women are underrepresented in the political arena due to a lack of role models, mentors and sponsors. With fewer women in the field, the lack of representation further perpetuates the gender gap. Women in politics also lack equal access to resources necessary for success; this includes funding, endorsements, and media attention. Research also indicates that women are more likely to face negative media coverage than men.
Consequences of Gender Inequity
The gender gap in politics has significant implications for countries around the globe. Women’s underrepresentation in politics can have far-reaching effects from systemic inequality to the lack of representation of the voices of those traditionally marginalized.
Discrimination
Gender discrimination can prevent women from entering the political arena. This can be further compounded by more subtle forms of discrimination, such as the bias against women for working for free and for possessing existing commitments outside of their careers.
Lack of Representation
The gender gap in politics ensures that the perspectives of a large portion of the population are not represented in the policy-making process. A lack of representation can lead to women’s issues being overlooked or not considered, resulting in policies that do not reflect the diverse needs of all citizens.
Solution
Breaking Down Barriers
In order to break down the barriers to entry for women in politics, there are several strategies to work towards representation and greater equity.
Education
Creating the educational opportunities necessary to prepare women to assume leadership positions in politics is essential. This includes early childhood education and access to quality education, training and mentorship programs for students and working professionals. This will allow more women to develop the skills necessary to be competitive political candidates.
Mentorship and Training
Mentorship and training programs for existing and aspiring female politicians can help women gain the confidence and skills needed to run for office. Too often, women are expected to “lean in” to produce their own support networks, but shifting this responsibility to established organizations and networks can help level the playing field.
Funding and Support
Women remain underrepresented in politics due to a lack of access to resources, such as funding and endorsements. Providing access to these resources, including financial assistance and sponsored networks, is essential to changing the status quo.
The gender gap in politics continues to present obstacles to female representation in politics. Without representation, systemic inequality and a lack of a voice for women, who are often among the most marginalized in society, is a reality. To level the playing field, educational opportunities, mentorship and training, and access to resources, such as funding and endorsements, are essential in creating an equitable climate. By taking steps toward these solutions, countries around the globe can begin to close the gender gap in politics.
