The Politics of Gender and the Business of Politics
By Andrew Schaefer
There is an interesting topic regarding gender and politics known as the “gender gap.” The gender gap refers to the difference in political party preferences of men and women. This difference, which began to be seen in the early 1990s, shows that women are about five to ten percent more likely than men to support liberal parties; and men are five to ten percent more likely than women to support more conservative parties. Exit poll data from this election were consistent with this: 56 percent of women voted for the candidate considered liberal (Obama), while 43 percent voted for the conservative candidate (McCain).
Because we live in a gendered society where there are clear differences between men and women, and also considering this gender gap, politicians have to find ways to appeal to both gender groups without offending one or the other. Considering this, political campaigning can begin to be seen as a business. It is important to “sell” your message to as many people as possible, but it is also important not to alienate different gender groups in the process.
Resources:
Information on the gender gap:
http://www.apsanet.org/content_5270.cfm
http://news-service.stanford.edu/pr/96/961030gendergap.html
http://www.aei.org/publications/filter.all,pubID.26480/pub_detail.asp
mwalsh @ November 18, 2008