Sex, Gender, and Politics: A Biosocial Approach to Political Behavior

Studies show that women and men perceive people and situations differently, which can impact political attitudes and behaviors. Gender-balanced group dynamics can impact decision-making in ways that old models of politics and leadership do not capture. Sex, Gender, and Politics explores how to think about political behavior based on empirical evidence of sex differences in attitudes and behaviors within the context of gendered norms and institutions. It argues that the issue of women not serving in public office at the same rate as their male counterparts is not merely one of concern to womens rights movements or a matter of equality, but one that leaves political deliberation and democratic politics sorely lacking.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Increasingly, research indicates that women and men perceive people and situations differently, leading to distinct political attitudes and behaviors. Recent studies suggest that gender-balanced group dynamics can influence decision-making in ways that traditional models of politics and leadership fail to capture. Earlier models were built on notions of socialized gender roles and the idea that leadership is inherently masculine. However, these notions are evolving. From both scholarly and practical perspectives, our understanding of sex, gender, and politics requires an update.

Sex, Gender, and Politics delves into how to approach political behavior based on empirical evidence of sex differences in attitudes and behaviors within the framework of gendered norms and institutions. While women in politics as a subfield of political science and a political agenda is significant, this book argues that there are reasons beyond equality and representation to pay attention to sex and gender. Drawing upon advancements in fields such as social psychology, cognitive neuroscience, behavioral economics, and even behavioral genetics, Rebecca J. Hannagan employs a biosocial approach to examine sex, gender, and political behavior. The book also addresses the political problem of women's underrepresentation in public office, contending that it goes beyond concerns about women's rights or equality and affects the quality of political deliberation and democratic politics.

This book challenges traditional categories used in courses on political psychology and political behavior, including women and politics or gender politics. It reframes these categories to consider the interplay between sex, gender, and political behavior. By exploring the biosocial perspective, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of how social, biological, and psychological factors shape individuals' political attitudes and behaviors. It sheds light on the mechanisms that contribute to gender disparities in political representation, highlighting the need for policies and initiatives to promote gender balance and inclusivity in political institutions.

In conclusion, Sex, Gender, and Politics is a timely and important book that challenges our preconceived notions about sex, gender, and politics. By providing a biosocial approach, it offers a fresh perspective on understanding political behavior and sheds light on the factors that contribute to gender disparities in political representation. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and individuals interested in promoting gender equality and enhancing democratic politics.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138777330