The Difference Women Make...
Congress has never represented America and that has not changed. The political activists, media commentators, and political scientists who call for the election of more women to Congress share the belief that electing more women will lead to better representation of women's interests. Representatives who share a common identity, such as gender, race, or class will more likely act of the interests of their group. The connection based on shared experiences will improve the rationale of the legislature by allowing gender-role socialization and its impact on women's attitudes and behavior. Consequently, women tend to view themselves in relational terms and they focus on contextual factors when seeking explanations for problems while men are raised to characterize themselves as individuals and to view problems through the lens of the situation (which sounds like foolishness and merely an excuse to maintain the gender gap between men and women).
Thomas, Sue, and Clyde Wilcox. Women and Elective Office: Past, Present, and Future. New York: Oxford UP, 1998. Print.
Thomas, Sue, and Clyde Wilcox. Women and Elective Office: Past, Present, and Future. New York: Oxford UP, 1998. Print.
Slowly but Surely Closing the Gender Gap
When discussing the gender gap in politics, a overwhelming theme was the difference in men's and women's voting patterns rather than the disadvantages women face in comparison to men. In interviews, Democratic and Republican men and women express the belief and minorities bring a different outlook to the policy process and that it is important to have these groups at the decision-making table. Issues such as child support enforcement, women's issues, and family safety issues have all been considered because of women. It is not that men do not care about these issues it is more of them not understand the need for immediate action. Although seniority rules have slowed the congresswoman's rise to positions of power in the committees and party leadership, partisan concerns over the potential impact of the gender gap have aided women's efforts to raise their profile within the specific party caucuses and to take lead on gendered issues. In an era of such tight party competition, party leaders make extra efforts to develop and advertise policy proposals that will attract specific groups of voters which results in both parties targeting women voters. Historically, women have slightly favored the Democratic Party so in response to these trends, Democrats are designing their policy proposals and public appeals with an eye toward maintaining women's support, while Republicans work to broaden their appeal.
Rosenthal, Cindy Simon. Women Transforming Congress. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma, 2002. Print.
Rosenthal, Cindy Simon. Women Transforming Congress. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma, 2002. Print.
Nancy Pelosi, in particular, has surpassed the hurdles of the gender gap and made history. She became the first female Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives and the first female Speaker of the House. In 1987, Pelosi made the leap into public office, winning a special election for California's Eighth District, which includes San Francisco. As a member of the House of Representatives, she has served on the Appropriations Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Pelosi has been a strong supporter of increased funding for health research and for other health care and housing programs and initiatives. She is also an backer for human rights and the environment. Pelosi has become known as one of the leading Democrats in Congress. In 2002, Pelosi was selected to be the Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives, making her the first woman in history to do so. Four years later, she again broke new ground for women in U.S politics. After the Democrats won majorities in both the House and the Senate in the 2006 midterm elections, Pelosi was chosen to become the first woman to take the position of Speaker of the House.
Nancy Pelosi. (2013). The Biography Channel website. Retrieved 12:09, Apr 13, 2013, from http://www.biography.com/people/nancy-pelosi-38487.
Nancy Pelosi. (2013). The Biography Channel website. Retrieved 12:09, Apr 13, 2013, from http://www.biography.com/people/nancy-pelosi-38487.