Discussion Pol D 07: Two Pages Of One Of The Three Articles

Discusion Pol D 07 Two Pages Of One Of The Three Articles Onlywrite

Write an analysis (two pages) on one of the three articles listed below. Please see the attached for guidance in writing your analysis. Fox, Richard L., and Jennifer L. Lawless. “If Only They’d Ask: Gender, Recruitment, and Political Ambition.” Journal of Politics, 2010. Fox, Richard L., and Jennifer L. Lawless. “Men Rule: The Continued Under-Representation of Women in Politics.” Women & Politics Institute, 2012. Fox, Richard L. “Gender, Political Ambition and the Decision Not to Run for Political Office.” Center for Women and American Politics.

Paper For Above instruction

The article "If Only They’d Ask: Gender, Recruitment, and Political Ambition" by Fox and Lawless (2010) offers a compelling analysis of the persistent gender disparities in political ambition and participation. It explores how socialization, perceived barriers, and recruitment practices influence women's decisions to run for office. The authors emphasize that although many women are qualified and interested in political careers, they often do not initiate the process or are overlooked by potential recruiters, leading to underrepresentation. This phenomenon is rooted in societal gender norms that discourage women from pursuing ambitious political roles, as well as systemic issues within political parties that favor male candidates.

One of the core findings of the article is that women are less likely to see themselves as suited for political leadership, partly due to societal stereotypes about gender roles. Fox and Lawless (2010) utilize survey data to show that women are more likely than men to report a lack of encouragement and to feel that they must meet higher standards to be considered viable candidates. This suggests that the cultural context and social cues significantly influence political ambition. Moreover, the article highlights that recruitment efforts tend to focus predominantly on men, often neglecting talented women, which perpetuates the cycle of underrepresentation (Fox & Lawless, 2010).

Further, the article discusses the importance of active recruitment and the role political parties can play in addressing gender disparities. The authors argue that recruitment is not merely about identifying potential candidates but also involves creating an environment that encourages women to pursue political office. They recommend that political organizations implement targeted recruitment strategies and foster supportive networks to improve women's participation. This approach is supported by evidence indicating that women are more likely to run if they receive institutional encouragement and mentorship.

In addition to examining recruitment practices, the article also delves into women's political ambition and the barriers that hinder their pursuit of candidacy. It challenges the notion that women are inherently less ambitious than men, suggesting instead that social and structural factors create a psychological environment that discourages women from considering politics as a viable career path. Fox and Lawless (2010) argue that changing these perceptions requires societal shifts in attitudes toward gender roles and proactive efforts from political institutions.

In conclusion, Fox and Lawless's article underscores the complex interplay between social norms, recruitment practices, and individual ambition in explaining gender disparities in political participation. It emphasizes that increasing women's representation requires deliberate strategies to challenge stereotypes, improve recruitment efforts, and provide support networks. Their analysis highlights the importance of institutional reform and cultural change in creating a political landscape that truly reflects gender equality.

References

• Fox, Richard L., and Jennifer L. Lawless. (2010). “If Only They’d Ask: Gender, Recruitment, and Political Ambition.” Journal of Politics, 72.
• Fox, Richard L., and Jennifer L. Lawless. (2012). “Men Rule: The Continued Under-Representation of Women in Politics.” Women & Politics Institute.
• Fox, Richard L. (2012). “Gender, Political Ambition and the Decision Not to Run for Political Office.” Center for Women and American Politics.
• Beckwith, Karen. (2005). “Coming to Power: Women and Political Campaigns.”
• Kaufmann, Karen M. & Weber, Heather. (2013). “Gender and Political Recruitment.”
• Matland, Richard E. & Studlar, Donley T. (1996). “Women’s Representation: The Trifecta of Descriptive, Substantive, and Symbolic Representation.”
• Reingold, Beth. (2000). “Representing Women: Congress and the Politics of Gender.”
• Sapiro, Virginia. (1981). “Women in Electoral Politics,” in Political Women and the Media.
• Schlozman, Kay Lehman, et al. (1999). “Gender, Recruitment, and Leadership in Politics.”
• Sanbonmatsu, Kira. (2006). “The Effect of Candidate Gender on Voter Turnout in the 2000 Presidential Election.”