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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Commitment to Gender Equality:
Characteristic: Many female leaders advocate for gender equality and work towards
empowering women in various spheres. They may champion policies aimed at addressing
gender disparities and promoting opportunities for women in the workforce and politics.
Background in Advocacy and Activism:
Characteristic: Some female leaders have a background in advocacy and activism, having
worked on social and political issues before assuming leadership roles. This background can
contribute to their commitment to social justice and equality.
Difference Among Female Leaders:
One notable difference among female leaders is their political ideologies and policy priorities.
While some may lean towards progressive and liberal policies, others may adopt more
conservative or centrist positions. For example, the policy priorities of a female leader in
one country may focus on economic reforms and globalization, while another may prioritize
environmental sustainability and human rights.
Why Many Female Leaders Held Office in Less Developed Countries:
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of female leaders in less developed countries:
Quota Systems and Affirmative Action:
In some less developed countries, there are quota systems or affirmative action measures that
aim to increase women's representation in politics. These measures can create
opportunities for women to rise to leadership positions.
Role of Matriarchal Societies:
Some less developed countries have cultural or historical contexts that value women's
leadership. Matriarchal traditions or historical precedents of female leadership may make it
more acceptable for women to hold political office.
Need for Inclusive Development:
In countries facing significant developmental challenges, there may be a recognition of the
need for inclusive governance. Female leaders may be seen as agents of change who can
bring a different perspective to address social and economic issues.
Global Influence and Support:
International pressure and support for gender equality initiatives may be more pronounced in
less developed countries. This external encouragement can contribute to the rise of female
leaders in these regions.
In summary, while female leaders share several characteristics, including leadership skills,
resilience, and a focus on social issues, differences in political ideologies and priorities exist.
Additionally, the prevalence of female leaders in less developed countries can be attributed
to factors such as affirmative action, cultural contexts, and the global push for gender
equality.
4. In this class we have discussed and read about how women are involved in non-
institutional politics. Define what non-institutional politics are. Give three examples of
how women have been influential using this type of politics. Fully explain one benefit of
women using non-institutional politics. Fully explain one disadvantage of women using
non-institutional politics.
Non-institutional politics refers to political activities and influence that occur outside the
formal structures and processes of established political institutions. While institutional
politics involves participation within government bodies, non-institutional politics typically
involves actions and advocacy carried out by individuals or groups in civil society,
grassroots movements, or other informal settings. It's a way for individuals to express
political opinions, advocate for change, and exert influence without holding official
positions in government.
Examples of Women's Influence in Non-Institutional Politics:
Women's Marches and Activism:
Women around the world have been instrumental in organizing and participating in large-scale
marches and protests to advocate for women's rights, gender equality, and various social
justice issues. These movements often operate outside formal political institutions but
exert significant influence on public opinion and policy discourse.
Online Activism and Social Media Campaigns:
Women have used social media platforms to mobilize support for various causes. Hashtags and
online campaigns have been powerful tools for raising awareness about issues such as
sexual harassment (#MeToo), reproductive rights, and gender-based violence. This form of
non-institutional activism can reach a global audience and create momentum for change.
Community Organizing and Grassroots Movements:
Women have played crucial roles in grassroots movements and community organizing efforts.
Whether it's advocating for environmental issues, education reform, or healthcare access,
women-led initiatives at the local level can bring about meaningful change without
necessarily relying on formal political institutions.
One Benefit of Women Using Non-Institutional Politics:
Flexibility and Agility:
Non-institutional politics allows women to be more flexible and agile in responding to
emerging issues and challenges. Without the bureaucratic constraints of formal
institutions, women can quickly organize grassroots movements, leverage social media for
advocacy, and adapt their strategies to address evolving societal needs.
One Disadvantage of Women Using Non-Institutional Politics:
Limited Policy Implementation Power:
While non-institutional politics can generate public awareness and influence public opinion,
individuals involved in these activities often have limited direct power to implement
policies. The impact may be more symbolic or indirect, and the absence of formal decision-
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making authority can hinder the translation of advocacy into concrete policy changes.
In summary, non-institutional politics involves political activities outside formal government
structures. Women have been influential in this sphere through marches, online activism,
and grassroots organizing. One benefit of non-institutional politics is the flexibility it offers,
but a disadvantage is the limited power to directly implement policies.
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