Shifting Power: Gender, Perception, and Representation in Politics

Abstract

This panel delves into the intricate dynamics of gender, motherhood, and political participation, exploring how these aspects intersect to shape political representation and influence. It sheds light on the unique challenges and evolving roles of women, especially mothers, in political contexts and in times of crisis/change. The first paper investigates the influence of motherhood combined with racial and ethnic identities on the political opportunities for women candidates in the United States. It uncovers the nuanced challenges and strategic approaches mothers of different backgrounds employ in their political journeys. Next, the panel examines the transformation of public opinion on gender quotas in Slovakia, focusing on the impact of positive argumentation in a traditionally conservative setting. This study illustrates the power of strategic communication in altering perceptions towards gender equality measures. A study on political donations follows, analyzing the gender disparities in financial contributions to political parties. It delves into how factors like financial resources, personal issues, and personality traits contribute to these differences, highlighting implications for democratic representation. The panel then turns to the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on gender dynamics within the Ugandan parliament. This paper explores whether the crisis has led to increased leadership roles for women in areas typically prioritized by them, such as public health and poverty alleviation. Lastly, the panel addresses the impact of crises on political trust, with a focus on marginalized groups. It examines how the pandemic has influenced trust levels across different genders and social groups, offering insights into the contextual nature of political trust during challenging times. Overall, this panel presents a multifaceted examination of how gender, motherhood, and various socio-political factors intertwine to influence political participation and representation (not only) in times of crisis and change.

Title	Details
1 Million transphobes: Comparing far right anti-trans politics in Canada and the UK	View Paper Details
Understanding Gender Differences in Political Donations in Canada	View Paper Details
Political Representation in a (Post-) Pandemic Era: Gendered speech dynamics in the Ugandan Parliament before, during, and after Covid-19	View Paper Details
Moms in the House: The Raced-Gendered Experience of Mothers Running for Political Office	View Paper Details
Political Trust and Crisis: An intersectional perspective	View Paper Details