WST 337 - Gender and Politics

This course examines the role of gender in American politics. The word, gender, includes more than biological differences between men and women, and includes how the public interprets these differences and values some qualities over others. Elections are highly gendered, how we interpret political behavior is influenced strongly by gendered language (metaphors of war and professional sports), and our expectations about the characteristics, behavior, and appearance of political actors are shaped by gender. Current research on gender differences in seeking public office, and the influence of gender on the political behavior of elected officials will be explored.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in the Fall Semester Alternate Years