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Uncovering the Origins of the Gender Gap in Political Ambition

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  • FOX, RICHARD L.
  • LAWLESS, JENNIFER L.

Abstract

Based on survey responses from a national random sample of nearly 4,000 high school and college students, we uncover a dramatic gender gap in political ambition. This finding serves as striking evidence that the gap is present well before women and men enter the professions from which most candidates emerge. We then use political socialization—which we gauge through a myriad of socializing agents and early life experiences—as a lens through which to explain the individual-level differences we uncover. Our analysis reveals that parental encouragement, politicized educational and peer experiences, participation in competitive activities, and a sense of self-confidence propel young people's interest in running for office. But on each of these dimensions, women, particularly once they are in college, are at a disadvantage. By identifying when and why gender differences in interest in running for office materialize, we begin to uncover the origins of the gender gap in political ambition. Taken together, our results suggest that concerns about substantive and symbolic representation will likely persist.

Suggested Citation

  • Fox, Richard L. & Lawless, Jennifer L., 2014. "Uncovering the Origins of the Gender Gap in Political Ambition," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 108(3), pages 499-519, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:cup:apsrev:v:108:y:2014:i:03:p:499-519_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Baskaran, Thushyanthan & Hessami, Zohal, 2022. "The gender recontest gap in elections," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    2. Donato Masciandaro & Paola Profeta & Davide Romelli, 2023. "Women and Governance: Central Bank Boards and Monetary Policy," Trinity Economics Papers tep1123, Trinity College Dublin, Department of Economics.
    3. Lippmann, Quentin, 2023. "Persistence of incumbents and female access to political positions," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 327-349.
    4. Jayme L. Neiman, 2017. "Jackie (and Jill) Robinson in the Statehouse: Gender and Educational Attainment Influences on Office-Holding and Leadership Positions in the U.S. States," International Journal of Social Science Studies, Redfame publishing, vol. 5(6), pages 15-20, June.
    5. Labonne, Julien & Parsa, Sahar & Querubin, Pablo, 2021. "Political dynasties, term limits and female political representation: Evidence from the Philippines," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 182(C), pages 212-228.
    6. Lindgren, Karl-Oskar & Oskarsson, Sven & Persson, Mikael, 2019. "Access to education and political candidacy: Lessons from school openings in Sweden," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 138-148.
    7. Mukhwana Laura Nasimiyu & Mukhwana Eugine Sundays, 2023. "Contextual Factors Influencing Women’s Participation in Political Leadership in Kakamega County, Kenya," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(6), pages 509-529, June.
    8. Lippmann, Quentin, 2021. "Are gender quotas on candidates bound to be ineffective?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 191(C), pages 661-678.
    9. Hessami, Zohal & Khasanboev, Temurbek, 2024. "Gender Bias in the Reelection of Politicians (When a Crisis Strikes)," IZA Discussion Papers 17081, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    10. Cella, Michela & Manzoni, Elena, 2023. "Gender bias and women’s political performance," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    11. Lena Winslott Hiselius & Annica Kronsell & Lena Smidfelt Rosqvist & Christian Dymén & Olga Stepanova, 2023. "Gender Representation and Leadership in Local Transport Decision-Making Positions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-13, July.
    12. Lindgren, Karl-Oskar & Oskarsson, Sven & Persson, Mikael, 2016. "How does access to education influence political candidacy? Lessons from school openings in Sweden," Working Paper Series 2016:7, IFAU - Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy.
    13. Pate, Jennifer & Fox, Richard, 2018. "Getting past the gender gap in political ambition," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 166-183.
    14. Davide Cipullo, 2021. "Gender Gaps in Political Careers: Evidence from Competitive Elections," CESifo Working Paper Series 9075, CESifo.

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