Unraveling the Layers of US Politics: Exploring Prejudice Against Women in Leadership
Originally published by Ashish Tiwari for Pressenza New York
Despite the growing trend of women achieving higher positions in leadership across the globe, the USA still lags behind its counterparts. According to a report by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the US ranks 75th out of 189 elected governments worldwide in terms of female representation.
To comprehend the prejudice against women in US politics, one must explore its historical roots. The nation’s early years reflected patriarchal structures, following societal norms. Women were denied the right to vote until the early 20th century, highlighting the deeply ingrained gender biases. Even after suffrage, women faced barriers in entering political spheres, as traditional gender roles perpetuated the notion that leadership was a predominantly male domain.
Cultural perceptions play a pivotal role in shaping attitudes toward women in leadership. In the 21st century, a surprising number of people in the US still believe that women are weaker and more emotional when it comes to leadership, making them less effective as leaders. The Presidential Election of 2016 is a clear example of how many Americans seem to be hesitant to elect women to top positions of power. Despite being an experienced and charismatic leader, Hillary Clinton was defeated by an egoistic and narcissistic leader, Donald Trump.
Hillary Clinton got closer than any American woman to the nation’s top job, but her loss has thrown a spotlight back on the question: Why has the United States lagged behind so many countries around the world in choosing a female leader?
Research using two national surveys, however, found that sexist attitudes contributed, in part, to some voters’ decisions to vote for Trump instead of Clinton.
From her time as First Lady to her historic 2016 presidential campaign, Clinton faced scrutiny that transcended policy disagreements. The criticism often targeted her character, appearance, and perceived likability, showcasing a double standard that many female leaders confront. An environment was created where her qualifications were overshadowed by a narrative that often reduced her to a stereotype.
Aside from Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris has not been receiving as much attention as the president. Despite being the first woman, first Black person, and first Asian American as vice president, she has faced more negative criticism, including sexist and racist language.
Kamala was selected as the vice president as the first black Asian American woman to draw more attention from people during Joe Biden’s presidential campaigning. Her spotlight has been snatched after the election. It remains a fact that the No. 2 job in the White House is inherently a diminishing one.
Numerous successful women leaders around the world have made significant contributions to their respective fields. We have seen the prowess of female leadership during crises in New Zealand, Germany, Taiwan, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark.