Attitudes Toward Women and Men in Politics

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Attitudes Toward Women and Men in Politics: Gender Roles in the Political Sphere  

Women and men have long had different roles and expectations in the political sphere. While there has been some progress in recent years, society still harbors a large set of gender-based expectations when it comes to politics. This article explores the often unconsciously accepted attitudes and beliefs about women and men in politics and their implications for gender roles in the sphere of politics.

I. Gender Based Expectations in Politics  

When it comes to politics, women and men often face different expectations due to traditional gender roles and societal norms. This can take many forms, from expectations about their communication styles and political positions to expectations about their physical appearance.

A. Communication Styles

One example of gender based expectations in politics can be seen in the communication styles associated with female and male politicians. Women are often expected to use more emotionally expressive language and to appear more “relatable” and “warm,” while male politicians are usually expected to use more assertive language and appear more “businesslike” and “rational.”

B. Political Positions

In addition to having different expectations for their communication styles, gender roles in politics also dictate different political positions for women and men. Women are often expected to focus on traditionally “feminine” issues like child care, health care, and education, while male politicians are usually expected to take a more “masculine” stance on topics like the economy and national security.

C. Physical Appearance

Physical appearance is also a gender-charged aspect of politics. Unlike male politicians, who are rarely criticized for their physical appearances, female politicians are often subject to scrutiny and criticism when it comes to their clothing, hairstyles, and makeup choices.

II. Implications of Gender Roles in Politics

These different attitudes, expectations, and beliefs about women and men in politics have several implications.

A. Exclude Women from Political Discourse

The assumption that women should focus on “feminine” topics and should use emotionally expressive language can limit their ability to participate in political discourse. This can make politics less welcoming to women, leading them to be discouraged from participating.

B. Limiting of Female Politicians

The restriction of “feminine” issues to female politicians can make their issues seem less important and prevent them from achieving higher office. Since politics is often perceived as a “masculine” field, female politicians are often forced to focus on traditionally “feminine” issues in order to gain attention and to appear more “electable.”

C. Negative Perceptions of Female Politicians

The idea that female politicians should focus on traditionally “feminine” issues and should communicate in an emotionally expressive way can lead to the assumption that they are not as “serious” or “competent” as male politicians. This can be a powerful form of sexism that can lead to negative perceptions of female politicians.

Overall, gender roles in politics still have powerful implications. Though there have been some advances in recent years, women are still expected to focus on “feminine” topics, while male politicians are allowed to focus on whatever they wish. This can lead to exclusion of women from political discourse, limiting of female politicians and their issues, and negative perceptions of female politicians. In order for gender roles in politics to change, society must become more aware of the deeply ingrained beliefs that shape the way we perceive and judge female and male politicians.

By examining attitudes toward women and men in politics, this article has provided a broader understanding of how gender roles shape the political sphere. It is important to recognize how these attitudes and expectations can affect the direction politics takes—and how we can take steps to ensure that all people are treated fairly and equally in the political arena.

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