Member-only story

Gender and Voting: Uncovering the Influence of Gender in Elections Across Nations

Chris Coleman

·4.9k Followers· Follow

Published in What Women Want: Gender And Voting In Britain Japan And The United States

5 min read · 3 weeks before

277 View Claps

23 Respond

Save

Listen

Gender And Voting In Britain, Japan, And The United States What Women Want: Gender And Voting In Britain Japan And The United States

For centuries, the role of gender in politics has been a topic of intense debate and research. The book "Gender and Voting in Britain, Japan, and the United States" delves into the complex interplay between gender and voting behavior, offering a comprehensive analysis of how gender influences electoral outcomes in these three distinct nations.

What Women Want: Gender and Voting in Britain, Japan and the United States

by Gill Steel

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2705 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	325 pages

Historical Context

Historically, women's suffrage was a hard-fought battle that spanned generations. In the early 19th century, women in Britain were largely denied the right to vote due to prevailing beliefs about their intellectual inferiority and societal roles. The movement for women's suffrage gained momentum in the late 19th century, culminating in the Representation of the People Act of 1918, which granted women over the age of 30 the right to vote.

In Japan, the fight for women's suffrage was even more protracted. It began in the late 19th century and faced resistance from traditionalists and conservative politicians. It was not until 1946, after World War II, that women in Japan were granted the right to vote.

In the United States, the movement for women's suffrage began in the mid-19th century. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 1920, finally granted women the right to vote nationwide.

Gender and Voting Behavior

Despite gaining the right to vote, women's participation in elections has varied significantly across countries and over time. The book explores the reasons for these variations, examining factors such as political culture, social norms, and the availability of female candidates.

In Britain, women's turnout rates have historically been slightly higher than men's. However, there is evidence of a gender gap in voting preferences, with women tending to support left-leaning parties more than men.

In Japan, women's turnout rates have typically been lower than men's, and they have shown a higher propensity to vote for conservative candidates. This is attributed to factors such as Japan's traditional gender roles and the perception that conservative politicians are more supportive of family values.

In the United States, women's turnout rates have fluctuated over time but have generally been comparable to men's. Women's voting preferences are more evenly distributed across party lines than in Britain or Japan.

Female Candidates

The book also examines the role of female candidates in elections. In all three countries, the number of women running for office has increased in recent decades. However, barriers to entry still exist, and women face challenges such as sexism and a lack of funding.

In Britain, the proportion of women elected to Parliament has been steadily increasing. In 2019, women made up 34% of the House of Commons.

In Japan, the number of women elected to the Diet has remained relatively low. In 2021, women made up only 9.7% of the House of Representatives.

In the United States, women's representation in Congress has also been slowly increasing. In 2023, women made up 26.5% of the House of Representatives and 24% of the Senate.

Policy Implications

The findings presented in the book have important implications for policy makers. By understanding the factors that influence women's voting behavior, governments can develop policies that encourage female participation in politics and ensure that their voices are heard in electoral decisions.

For example, the book suggests that increasing the number of female candidates on the ballot can help to increase women's turnout and representation in elected office. It also argues that policies that support working families, such as affordable childcare and paid family leave, can make it easier for women to participate in political activities.

"Gender and Voting in Britain, Japan, and the United States" offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the complex relationship between gender and voting behavior. By examining the historical context, current trends, and policy implications, the book sheds light on how gender continues to shape electoral outcomes in these three democracies. As societies evolve and gender equality becomes increasingly important, the findings presented in this book will continue to inform policy makers and researchers alike.

What Women Want: Gender and Voting in Britain, Japan and the United States

by Gill Steel

4.5 out of 5