Gender, Power and Representation

This course examines the interconnections between gender, power and representation in both historical and contemporary contexts. It is global in focus, examining patterns of political participation and representation across a wide range of countries and regions, whilst also delving into in-depth case studies of the gendered dynamics of political power in political parties, legislatures and executives in particular contexts. Throughout the course, we will examine the problems and questions raised by the issues of gender, power and political representation. When we speak about the "under-representation of women" and other groups, what visions of representation are we invoking and with what attendant problems and expectations? What does gender have to do with it? Do "supply" or "demand" factors best account for the relatively few women in political life? How can we account for variation across political parties and political systems? What role does gender play in the representation of politicians in the media? What strategies can we (and should we) use to achieve equal representation? And (why) does it matter? Whilst we focus in particular on gender dynamics and global trends in the course, we will also pay attention to intersectionality and heterogeneity throughout, assessing the ways in which gender intersects with other structures of power, including race, ethnicity, class, sexuality and disability.   Credit level: 10 Year taken: Year 3 Undergraduate