Voting Gender Gaps and Policy Positions

Voting Gender Gaps and Policy Positions

Introduction

The term gender gap basically refers to the differences that exist in between the population of men as opposed to that of women in a particular geographical region. These differences are commonly assessed in terms of political, social, cultural, intellectual, or economic attributes and attitudes. From a political standpoint, the gender gap determines the difference in number between male and female voters. It plays an integral role in elections and also helps in identifying difference in policy positions.

Discussion

After protesting and campaigning for several decades, women were finally allowed the fundamental right to vote in the year 1920 which marked the beginning of women's suffrage. As a result, for the first time, many women were seen visiting polling stations to cast their votes and express their support of their favorite candidates (Whitaker, 2011). It was after these events that led to the concept of voting gender gaps. Since then, the pace at which women voters have participated in casting their votes has been very impressive. Recent studies suggest that they have surpassed men in terms of voter turnout. For example, between 1976 and 2008, the number of female voters has increased at a steady gap. As a result, the voting gender gap has also increased at a steady pace (Whitaker, 2011).

Following the advent of women's suffrage, the participation of women in the voting process was not very impressive. However, a rapid change in this trend was seen between 1950 and 1980. In the 1980s, there was a remarkable reversal in this trend and, as a result, the gender gap in the number of male and female voters widened significantly. Between 1988 and 1996, the range is between 4 and 10 percentage points (Whitaker, 2011).

In a majority of countries across the globe, women have exhibited a similar pattern as female voters in the United States. For example, according to a recent study, women living in highly industrialized countries have participated as enthusiastically as their male counterparts. In Europe, a gender gap was strongly visible before the 1990s and women had a stronger propensity to cast their votes in favor of political parties that had a conservative viewpoint (Whitaker, 2011). Although this gender gap has narrowed down considerably over the following decades, it still exists in a majority of countries located in Eastern Europe.

Role of Gender Gap in Elections and its influence on policy positions

When it comes to politics, gender gap is not an alien concept. For the last 30 years or more, democratic candidates have received stronger support from female voters than their male counterparts. This clearly highlights the important and integral role that gender gap plays a very integral role in elections (Whitaker, 2011). For instance, as a result of this gender gap, president Obama enjoys an advantage over his rivals since he receives overwhelming support from female voters. According to the PEW Research Center, Obama held a wide lead among women in the 2012 matchup. 58% of women voted for Obama ...