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Gender and politics
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
INSTITUTE OF AFRICAN AND GENDER STUDIES
EVENING CLASS: MODULE 2
INTRODUCTION
Social class, status, and power are predetermined by one's gender. Within today's patriarchal society, men simply possess greater power than women,
"and enjoy greater access to what is valued by the social group." (Code 1993), Patriarchal thought produces male dominance, and authority within
multiple areas, including politics. Throughout history, governments have designed laws to maintain such divisions of power, resulting in the
oppression of women. "Patriarchal power relations construct sexual differences as political differences by giving legal form to the belief that women,
because of their sex, are fit only to serve as wives and...show more content...
Indeed, the higher you go the fewer women you see. The question of women's representation in elected bodies and in other decision making
committees, needs to be seen in the light of this blatant imbalance due to gender discrimination.
There is no doubt that over the years, men have been dominating politics of most countries in the world. But it doesn't mean they did splendid job
in what they are suppose to do? Politics has never been an easy place for any man who supposedly can't even handle political landscape at home
and family of course. Today, most countries in the world face problems of democracy, justice, equality, social problems arising from bad governance
of those in corridor of power who are mostly men. Having failed to provide good governance, when come to think of it, there is nothing wrong if
women who are noted to be caring, concern, and responsible are given more chances in government for possible change in the 'status quo'. Should a
woman involve in politics have always been subject of controversy over the years. But among other political posts today few women are already
presidents of countries and senators, assembly members, and councilors. Cristina FernГЎndez de Kirchner (Argentina), Dilma Rousseff (Brazil) and
Joyce Banda (Malawi) presidents of representative countries have proven that woman can own a place on the top of political settings. Woman
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Women In Politics
New Zealand is ranked 35th internationally for its proportion of women parliamentary representatives, with 31 percent of parliamentary seats held by
women after the 2014 election. In 1981, only 8 of 92 seats were held by women, with this number significantly increasing upon the introduction of a
mixed–member–proportion ('MMP') electoral system to 35 of 120 in 1996. Despite this increase, the number of women in electoral seats remains low
(NZ Parliament, 2014) – where the election of a candidate for a given electorate is first–past–the–post. In the decade since the introduction of MMP,
women have tended to be elected on party lists. The increased proportion of women members of parliament ('MPs') is correlated to the introduction of
MMP,...show more content...
This patriarchal structure means that the voices of minority groups (particularly women) in parliament are secondary to Cabinet's policy agenda. While
the introduction of MMP in 1996 reduced the power of Cabinet, it is nonetheless difficult for the limited number of women MPs to influence this
patriarchal power structure – especially since bloc voting stifles dissenting political perspectives during the legislative process. The role of liberalism
and masculinity Why do these patriarchal structures exist? Politics in the New Zealand liberal state are inherently masculine, where social systems are
based upon the neutral treatment of all people under the Lockean assumption that those people are equal in the first place. In the expectation that men
and women hold equal standing in society, patriarchal oppression is built into the application of political and social systems. In New Zealand politics,
masculine traits are favoured under such a patriarchal structure. The liberal state favours objectivity, neutrality, and detachment– 'masculine' traits,
instead of subjectivity, attentiveness, and care. Olsen (1991) argues that "objectivity is a denial of the existence or potency of sex inequality that tacitly
constructs reality from the dominant point of view". Effectively, New Zealand politics are governed by these
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Women in Politics Essay
Women in Politics
Beginning with the early nineteen hundreds, women from all over the country have bounded together, forming leagues and clubs for equal rights.
However, it wasn't until today "at the dawn of the twenty–first century, states and international community can no longer refute the fact that humanity is
made up of two sexes, not just one" (Oliveria 26). Why has the woman's move for equality just now started to balance itself out? Well, the answer is
quite simple; women are just now being looked at as semi–equals. They are beginning to become corporate executives in businesses, and popular in the
field of medicine and law. Women have tried hard to push themselves forward in society to create a balanced and harmonious economy...show more
content...
During this time women did not have a role in government, nor would they for the next one hundred and eight years, until a woman would try to run
for office. "In 1884, Belva Ann Lockwood –– the first woman to try a case before the United States Supreme Court –– ran for Presidency" (Arenofsky
14). Well, to no surprise she lost, but her groundbreaking campaign made it possible and easier for Jeannette Rankin, thirty–three years later, to run and
become elected to Congress for the state of Montana. However, even with this groundbreaking experience, women were still looked down upon for
their lack of experience. It wasn't until 1920 when women's suffrage ended and the nineteenth amendment to the constitution, granting women the right
to vote, that women were formally introduced into politics. However, even with voting privileges, women were still looked at as weak feeble
creatures. The lack of confidence and the inability to be seen as strong–minded females who were not afraid to voice their opinion hurt the female
gender immensely. It wasn't until "Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, crisscrossed the country speaking about social problems
and serving as the quintessential role model for the politically active female" that women began to witness how to present themselves with confidence
(Arenofsky 14). Finally, with women's confidence on the rise and
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Women in Government Essay
The Impact of Culture on Women in Government Yvonne A. Sherman ANT101 July 27, 2010
Culture is defined as customary beliefs and behaviors of a specific social group and traditions and rituals become a part of everyday living (Miller,
2007). In today's modern world there are still customs that are passed down from one generation to the next generation. In American culture as well as
Japanese culture the role of women has evolved to present day. Women play a significant role in American culture today. Women hold positions of
power such as Hiliary Clinton, current Secretary of State and Nancy Poloski the current...show more content...
The usual profile is of a woman who is good looking but looking for someone she can spend the rest of her life with. It is not because she needs a
man to take care of her but because she wants someone special to share life experiences with. This show usually shows the woman in a positive
light. Japanese women have faced numerous changes in their society in the past 150 years (Friedman, 1992). The women of Japan have struggled
with the ways of American women, admiring, imitating, fighting, and ultimately wanting to have the same rights as western women (Friedman,
1992). Since the early 1960s, women in Japan were allowed to vote in elections however they did not have equal participation in decision making
in regard to Japanese legislature. There were very few women in high positions of power in government and women were treated far less than equal
to men (Friedman, 1992). Currently there are no laws against a woman running for public candidacy but they are underrepresented in local and
national government. Why? Centuries ago women were consider to be less equal to men and were subservient to their husbands. Women were not
allowed to work based on previous beliefs and culture of women of Japan. In 1999 new law was added to Japanese legislature stating that Japan is a
Gender–Equal Society and is based on respect for the human rights of women and men. The amendment set precedence and paved the way for
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Stereotypes In Politics
Exactly, that's why I noted politicians don't seem to be able to change the direction to the majorities satisfaction. Their hands are tied somewhat and
people forget that. It takes a special person to be in politics and hold tight to the goal without being brought down by the negativity (shadow)
exhibited by media and the people. We pass judgement before looking at it from the eyes of the beholder. We lack compassion and set aside facts to
satisfy this shadow discussed in the article. At least the president has exhibited some maturity and comic relief in the face of it. The same is
happening here in Alberta. A destroyed economy based mainly on oil. It got so bad that voters didn't want Harper for another term so devotees to his
own party
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Essay on Women in Politics
The political arena is a tough place to be part of, especially during a campaign. Your opponent and their supporters are constantly watching your
every move with the hopes that you will make a mistake, or that somebody will find some detrimental dirt on you. Now imagine also being a woman,
not only will you have to face the hardships that male candidates cope with but you will also have to handle the adversity based on your gender and the
stereotypes that go along with being a female. Women have to be prepared to confront the fact that they may not even be wanted in that setting. For
example Margaret Carlson stated,
Do you ever get the feeling that the men in the world might not care if the door closed and...show more content...
Women should provide a nurturing atmosphere in their private life, while men should have control and function with in the public aspect of their life.
No only is that stereotypical but it is also setting a double standard.
Not only are woman subjected to society norms based on their personality characteristics, but also on their life choices and "domestic responsibilities"
questions arise for woman like "who will care for you children and husband". Montague Kern and Paige P. Edley state that women will continue to be
"criticized for abandoning their traditional family roles" (1). This topic is not something that is brought up to their male counterparts. I don't believe I
have ever heard a man be questioned on who was going to assume the responsibility of raising their children. So until society genuinely accepts that
raising children and other domestic issues are shared endeavors, then women will continue to face this barrier. (Robson, 208)
Women must take on somewhat of an androgynous sex–role identity. They must not go about their career fitting the typical gender stereotypes. They
must be capable of responding with either a masculine or feminine behavior depending on the situation they are placed in. If women are capable of
doing this they have a chance at appearing to be a competent campaigner (Robson, 2000).
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Gender And Politics

  • 1. Gender and politics UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI INSTITUTE OF AFRICAN AND GENDER STUDIES EVENING CLASS: MODULE 2 INTRODUCTION Social class, status, and power are predetermined by one's gender. Within today's patriarchal society, men simply possess greater power than women, "and enjoy greater access to what is valued by the social group." (Code 1993), Patriarchal thought produces male dominance, and authority within multiple areas, including politics. Throughout history, governments have designed laws to maintain such divisions of power, resulting in the oppression of women. "Patriarchal power relations construct sexual differences as political differences by giving legal form to the belief that women, because of their sex, are fit only to serve as wives and...show more content... Indeed, the higher you go the fewer women you see. The question of women's representation in elected bodies and in other decision making committees, needs to be seen in the light of this blatant imbalance due to gender discrimination. There is no doubt that over the years, men have been dominating politics of most countries in the world. But it doesn't mean they did splendid job in what they are suppose to do? Politics has never been an easy place for any man who supposedly can't even handle political landscape at home and family of course. Today, most countries in the world face problems of democracy, justice, equality, social problems arising from bad governance of those in corridor of power who are mostly men. Having failed to provide good governance, when come to think of it, there is nothing wrong if women who are noted to be caring, concern, and responsible are given more chances in government for possible change in the 'status quo'. Should a woman involve in politics have always been subject of controversy over the years. But among other political posts today few women are already presidents of countries and senators, assembly members, and councilors. Cristina FernГЎndez de Kirchner (Argentina), Dilma Rousseff (Brazil) and Joyce Banda (Malawi) presidents of representative countries have proven that woman can own a place on the top of political settings. Woman Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 2. Women In Politics New Zealand is ranked 35th internationally for its proportion of women parliamentary representatives, with 31 percent of parliamentary seats held by women after the 2014 election. In 1981, only 8 of 92 seats were held by women, with this number significantly increasing upon the introduction of a mixed–member–proportion ('MMP') electoral system to 35 of 120 in 1996. Despite this increase, the number of women in electoral seats remains low (NZ Parliament, 2014) – where the election of a candidate for a given electorate is first–past–the–post. In the decade since the introduction of MMP, women have tended to be elected on party lists. The increased proportion of women members of parliament ('MPs') is correlated to the introduction of MMP,...show more content... This patriarchal structure means that the voices of minority groups (particularly women) in parliament are secondary to Cabinet's policy agenda. While the introduction of MMP in 1996 reduced the power of Cabinet, it is nonetheless difficult for the limited number of women MPs to influence this patriarchal power structure – especially since bloc voting stifles dissenting political perspectives during the legislative process. The role of liberalism and masculinity Why do these patriarchal structures exist? Politics in the New Zealand liberal state are inherently masculine, where social systems are based upon the neutral treatment of all people under the Lockean assumption that those people are equal in the first place. In the expectation that men and women hold equal standing in society, patriarchal oppression is built into the application of political and social systems. In New Zealand politics, masculine traits are favoured under such a patriarchal structure. The liberal state favours objectivity, neutrality, and detachment– 'masculine' traits, instead of subjectivity, attentiveness, and care. Olsen (1991) argues that "objectivity is a denial of the existence or potency of sex inequality that tacitly constructs reality from the dominant point of view". Effectively, New Zealand politics are governed by these Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 3. Women in Politics Essay Women in Politics Beginning with the early nineteen hundreds, women from all over the country have bounded together, forming leagues and clubs for equal rights. However, it wasn't until today "at the dawn of the twenty–first century, states and international community can no longer refute the fact that humanity is made up of two sexes, not just one" (Oliveria 26). Why has the woman's move for equality just now started to balance itself out? Well, the answer is quite simple; women are just now being looked at as semi–equals. They are beginning to become corporate executives in businesses, and popular in the field of medicine and law. Women have tried hard to push themselves forward in society to create a balanced and harmonious economy...show more content... During this time women did not have a role in government, nor would they for the next one hundred and eight years, until a woman would try to run for office. "In 1884, Belva Ann Lockwood –– the first woman to try a case before the United States Supreme Court –– ran for Presidency" (Arenofsky 14). Well, to no surprise she lost, but her groundbreaking campaign made it possible and easier for Jeannette Rankin, thirty–three years later, to run and become elected to Congress for the state of Montana. However, even with this groundbreaking experience, women were still looked down upon for their lack of experience. It wasn't until 1920 when women's suffrage ended and the nineteenth amendment to the constitution, granting women the right to vote, that women were formally introduced into politics. However, even with voting privileges, women were still looked at as weak feeble creatures. The lack of confidence and the inability to be seen as strong–minded females who were not afraid to voice their opinion hurt the female gender immensely. It wasn't until "Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, crisscrossed the country speaking about social problems and serving as the quintessential role model for the politically active female" that women began to witness how to present themselves with confidence (Arenofsky 14). Finally, with women's confidence on the rise and Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 4. Women in Government Essay The Impact of Culture on Women in Government Yvonne A. Sherman ANT101 July 27, 2010 Culture is defined as customary beliefs and behaviors of a specific social group and traditions and rituals become a part of everyday living (Miller, 2007). In today's modern world there are still customs that are passed down from one generation to the next generation. In American culture as well as Japanese culture the role of women has evolved to present day. Women play a significant role in American culture today. Women hold positions of power such as Hiliary Clinton, current Secretary of State and Nancy Poloski the current...show more content... The usual profile is of a woman who is good looking but looking for someone she can spend the rest of her life with. It is not because she needs a man to take care of her but because she wants someone special to share life experiences with. This show usually shows the woman in a positive light. Japanese women have faced numerous changes in their society in the past 150 years (Friedman, 1992). The women of Japan have struggled with the ways of American women, admiring, imitating, fighting, and ultimately wanting to have the same rights as western women (Friedman, 1992). Since the early 1960s, women in Japan were allowed to vote in elections however they did not have equal participation in decision making in regard to Japanese legislature. There were very few women in high positions of power in government and women were treated far less than equal to men (Friedman, 1992). Currently there are no laws against a woman running for public candidacy but they are underrepresented in local and national government. Why? Centuries ago women were consider to be less equal to men and were subservient to their husbands. Women were not allowed to work based on previous beliefs and culture of women of Japan. In 1999 new law was added to Japanese legislature stating that Japan is a Gender–Equal Society and is based on respect for the human rights of women and men. The amendment set precedence and paved the way for Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 5. Stereotypes In Politics Exactly, that's why I noted politicians don't seem to be able to change the direction to the majorities satisfaction. Their hands are tied somewhat and people forget that. It takes a special person to be in politics and hold tight to the goal without being brought down by the negativity (shadow) exhibited by media and the people. We pass judgement before looking at it from the eyes of the beholder. We lack compassion and set aside facts to satisfy this shadow discussed in the article. At least the president has exhibited some maturity and comic relief in the face of it. The same is happening here in Alberta. A destroyed economy based mainly on oil. It got so bad that voters didn't want Harper for another term so devotees to his own party Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 6. Essay on Women in Politics The political arena is a tough place to be part of, especially during a campaign. Your opponent and their supporters are constantly watching your every move with the hopes that you will make a mistake, or that somebody will find some detrimental dirt on you. Now imagine also being a woman, not only will you have to face the hardships that male candidates cope with but you will also have to handle the adversity based on your gender and the stereotypes that go along with being a female. Women have to be prepared to confront the fact that they may not even be wanted in that setting. For example Margaret Carlson stated, Do you ever get the feeling that the men in the world might not care if the door closed and...show more content... Women should provide a nurturing atmosphere in their private life, while men should have control and function with in the public aspect of their life. No only is that stereotypical but it is also setting a double standard. Not only are woman subjected to society norms based on their personality characteristics, but also on their life choices and "domestic responsibilities" questions arise for woman like "who will care for you children and husband". Montague Kern and Paige P. Edley state that women will continue to be "criticized for abandoning their traditional family roles" (1). This topic is not something that is brought up to their male counterparts. I don't believe I have ever heard a man be questioned on who was going to assume the responsibility of raising their children. So until society genuinely accepts that raising children and other domestic issues are shared endeavors, then women will continue to face this barrier. (Robson, 208) Women must take on somewhat of an androgynous sex–role identity. They must not go about their career fitting the typical gender stereotypes. They must be capable of responding with either a masculine or feminine behavior depending on the situation they are placed in. If women are capable of doing this they have a chance at appearing to be a competent campaigner (Robson, 2000). Get more content on HelpWriting.net