It Still Takes A Candidate: Why Women Don't Run for Office [Paperback]

Jennifer L. Lawless (Author), Richard L. Fox (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 21, 2010

It Still Takes A Candidate serves as the only systematic, nationwide empirical account of the manner in which gender affects political ambition. Based on data from the Citizen Political Ambition Panel Study, a national survey conducted of almost 3,800 "potential candidates" in 2001 and a second survey of more than 2,000 of these same individuals in 2008, Jennifer L. Lawless and Richard L. Fox find that women, even in the highest tiers of professional accomplishment, are substantially less likely than men to demonstrate ambition to seek elective office. Women are less likely than men to be recruited to run for office. They are less likely than men to think they are qualified to run for office. And they are less likely than men to express a willingness to run for office in the future. This gender gap in political ambition persists across generations and over time. Despite cultural evolution and society's changing attitudes toward women in politics, running for public office remains a much less attractive and feasible endeavor for women than men.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The findings of It Still Takes A Candidate: Why Women Don't Run for Office fundamentally change our understanding of women's political engagement. The authors' groundbreaking research revolutionizes how we must approach closing the political gender gap. The work of Lawless and Fox is immeasurably important as we fight for gender equality in our government and encourage more women to 'take the plunge' and seek elected office. It Still Takes A Candidate provides a critical tool in changing the face of U.S. politics."
- Siobhan "Sam" Bennett, President/CEO of WCF (formerly Women's Campaign Fund)

Book Description

It Still Takes A Candidate serves as the only systematic, nationwide empirical account of the manner in which gender affects political ambition. Jennifer L. Lawless and Richard L. Fox find that women, even in the highest tiers of professional accomplishment, are substantially less likely than men to demonstrate ambition to seek elective office.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; Expanded edition edition (June 21, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521179246
• ISBN-13: 978-0521179249
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #110,159 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #71 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Elections & Political Process > Elections

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