POSC 432 Exam
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School
California State University, Fullerton *
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Course
MISC
Subject
Political Science
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by ChiefEnergy1185
Exam Questions
1. Women have had a difficult time getting elected to national legislatures (parliaments).
Fully explain the five political obstacles to women’s legislative participation covered in
class. Which of these five obstacles is the most problematic and why do you feel this
way? What are solutions to overcoming each of these obstacles?
Women's legislative participation has faced numerous challenges over the years, and
these challenges can be broadly categorized into five political obstacles. It's important
to note that the severity and nature of these obstacles can vary across different
countries and regions. Here are the five political obstacles to women's legislative
participation:
1.
Societal Attitudes and Gender Stereotypes:
Description: Deep-rooted societal attitudes and gender stereotypes often contribute to the
perception that women are less capable or suitable for leadership roles, including
political positions.
Impact: These stereotypes can affect voters' and party members' perceptions of women's
abilities, making it more challenging for women to gain support and win elections.
2.
Political Party Structures and Practices:
Description: Political parties, which serve as crucial platforms for political participation,
may have internal structures and practices that are not conducive to women's
involvement. This includes a lack of gender-sensitive policies, biased candidate
selection processes, and limited support for women candidates.
Impact: When political parties do not actively promote gender equality and inclusivity,
women may find it difficult to secure party nominations or receive adequate support
during electoral campaigns.
3.
Electoral Systems:
Description: Certain electoral systems may unintentionally create barriers for women.
For example, systems based solely on a first-past-the-post model can disadvantage
women candidates, as voters might be less likely to vote for female candidates if they
perceive them as having a lower chance of winning.
Impact: The design of electoral systems can influence the overall representation of
women in legislatures, either by facilitating or hindering their electoral success.
4.
Lack of Legal and Policy Support:
Description: Inadequate legal frameworks and policies that address gender-based
discrimination or promote gender equality can impede women's political
participation. The absence of affirmative action measures, such as quotas or reserved
seats for women, is an example of this obstacle.
Impact: Without legal and policy support, there may be limited mechanisms to address
discriminatory practices and promote equal opportunities for women in politics.
5.
Limited Access to Resources:
Description: Women often face challenges in accessing the necessary resources for
successful political campaigns, such as financial support, campaign networks, and
media coverage. Limited access to these resources can put women at a disadvantage
compared to their male counterparts.
Impact: The lack of resources can make it difficult for women to run effective campaigns,
communicate their messages to a wide audience, and compete on an equal footing
with male candidates.
Overcoming these political obstacles requires a multifaceted approach involving changes
in societal attitudes, political party practices, electoral systems, legal frameworks, and
resource distribution. Efforts to address these obstacles can contribute to a more
inclusive and representative political landscape.
2. Although we are now seeing more female national leaders (presidents, prime ministers,
chancellors...) throughout the world, there are still relatively few women leading
countries in comparison to men. Fully explain six characteristics that many of the past
and current female leaders share. Fully explain one of the differences among these
women that we covered in class. Fully explain why many of these women held office in
less developed countries.
While the number of female national leaders has increased over time, there are still
comparatively fewer women in such positions compared to men. Several characteristics are
commonly observed among many past and current female leaders:
Exceptional Leadership Skills:
Characteristic: Female leaders often exhibit strong leadership skills, including effective
communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to make tough decisions. This is a
common trait among successful leaders, irrespective of gender.
Resilience and Perseverance:
Characteristic: Many female leaders have demonstrated resilience and perseverance in the face
of challenges and adversity. They have shown the ability to navigate through political
complexities and overcome gender-based barriers.
Emphasis on Social Issues:
Characteristic: Female leaders often prioritize social issues such as education, healthcare, and
poverty alleviation. They may bring a unique perspective to governance by emphasizing
the importance of social welfare and human development.
Collaborative Leadership Style:
Characteristic: A collaborative leadership style is frequently associated with female leaders.
They may be more inclined to build consensus, foster cooperation, and engage in inclusive
decision-making processes.
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