Women remain underrepresented at all levels of government and face numerous barriers to political participation, one of the most significant being household and caregiving responsibilities. This study uses policy feedback theory to determine if policies allowing campaign contributions for childcare expenses send a signal to all women—mothers or not—that politics is a more accessible and supportive environment. Using data from the Vote Mama Foundation and the Database on Ideology, Money in Politics, and Elections (DIME), the findings reveal that states implementing such policies see a notable rise in women’s candidacies for state legislatures. These results underscore the critical role of states in reducing barriers for women and increasing their political representation. By fostering greater participation at the state level, these policies not only improve gender norms but also strengthen the pipeline of women candidates, potentially leading to future increases in women’s representation at the federal level.
This study distills the complex interplay between women's increased representation and the persistence of gender biases following the 2008 financial crisis. As conservative ideologies rise and austerity measures take a disproportionate toll on women, our research uses data from the World Values Survey to explore beliefs on gender equality across 40 countries. Our findings reveal that higher national-level representation of women correlates with stronger support for gender equality across educational, labor, and political domains, moderating the influence of conservative views on gender biases.
This research investigates the influence of state-level equal pay policies on women's political engagement in the United States using the 2016-2020 ANES panel dataset. We find that these policies create feedback effects that increase political activity among women, primarily by boosting material resources and reinforcing citizenship and gender equality norms. Partisan analysis reveals that Democratic women are particularly energized by such legislation, leading to heightened political participation and a greater push for women's representation. These insights highlight the complex yet profound impact of equal pay policies on the political landscape.
This study examines the dynamics of U.S. House district office locations from 2012-2020, focusing on the effects of redistricting and representative identity. Our geolocated analysis reveals that new members often relocate their offices post-redistricting, adapting to new geographic and demographic realities. Notably, women representatives are shown to strategically choose their office locations to better serve and support local needs. The findings highlight the nuanced strategies behind office placements as both a form of representation and a tactical move to engage with voters in a shifting political landscape.
As women’s representation in legislatures and executive-level positions continues to rise, it is essential to understand the profound consequences of women’s increased presence in shaping political landscapes. This research has implications not only for the effectiveness and diversity of governance but also for broader societal dynamics. The first chapter investigates changes in women state legislators’ cosponsorship networks under a woman governor. The second chapter examines how the symbolic representation of a woman governor leads women in the legislature to focus more on power-issue bills, contrasting their focus on non-power issues observed under male governors. The final chapter explores how the increased presence of women in state legislatures leads to more equitable earnings ratios for women, shifts in sex-based discrimination charges, and the role of women governors in shaping these outcomes. By examining the intricate relationships between gender representation and political outcomes, this research offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of gender and legislative politics. It sheds light on how women’s involvement in decision-making processes impacts policy outcomes and influences the way political agendas are framed, ultimately shaping the discourse on gender equality in politics and society. Through three distinct chapters, this research dives into these complex dynamics and their implications.
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