Why Some Women Refuse to Talk About Politics
The impact of women coming together to discuss political matters has been analyzed by foundations and research surveys, and identified as an effective way to encourage greater participation.
But how do we reach out to women who are risk-averse when it comes to expressing their opinions?
It may take the seemingly 'fluffy' efforts of women's magazines to reach females who don't make it a point to seek out news sources, but are more likely to get their information from the glossy tabloids at the supermarket checkout counter.
For example, Redbook magazine has tackled the weighty topic of women's political participation with an unexpectedly light tone; they suggest readers use their self-perceived ignorance as the basis for their next social gathering:
If the politically savvy among you are stifling an urge to laugh, consider this: women's political gatherings have historically been labelled 'social' events.
A New York Times article dated October 5, 1895 is unintentionally humorous as it details the tone of women's political discussions prior to the 19th amendment. Lacking the right to vote, the role of women as political participants had less to do with self-determination and more to do with serving coffee:
Sources:
Gidengil, Elisabeth and Andre Blais, Neil Nevitte, Richard Nadeau. "Women to the Left, Men to the Right? Gender and Voting in the 1997 Canadian Election." Paper presented at the 2000 Congress of the International Political Science Association, Quebec City, August 1-5, 2000.
Gidengil, Elisabeth and Allison Harell, Bonnie H. Rickson. "Network Diversity and Vote Choice: Women's Social Ties and Left Voting in Canada." Cambridge Journals Politics and Gender, Cambridge University Press 9 July 2007.
"Public Knowledge of Current Affairs Little Changed by News and Information Revolutions." The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press 15 April 2007.
"American Mothers are Primary Influence on Women's Political Behavior and Attitudes, Oxygen/Markle Pulse Finds." The Markle Foundation, 13 June 2000.
"Women Discuss Politics: Their West End and Harlem Republican Associations Meet." The New York Times, 5 October 1895.
But how do we reach out to women who are risk-averse when it comes to expressing their opinions?
"Party" Politics
It may take the seemingly 'fluffy' efforts of women's magazines to reach females who don't make it a point to seek out news sources, but are more likely to get their information from the glossy tabloids at the supermarket checkout counter.
For example, Redbook magazine has tackled the weighty topic of women's political participation with an unexpectedly light tone; they suggest readers use their self-perceived ignorance as the basis for their next social gathering:
A third of women who don't vote say it's because they don't know enough about politics. Oh, yes, you do! Have all your friends over for a political party. ... Whether you are addicted to CNN or hardly ever glance at a newspaper, hosting a party is the perfect way to start the political conversation in your own backyard (or living room). Gather your girlfriends together for music, food, and stimulating conversation.
What a Difference a Century Makes
If the politically savvy among you are stifling an urge to laugh, consider this: women's political gatherings have historically been labelled 'social' events.
A New York Times article dated October 5, 1895 is unintentionally humorous as it details the tone of women's political discussions prior to the 19th amendment. Lacking the right to vote, the role of women as political participants had less to do with self-determination and more to do with serving coffee:
WOMEN DISCUSS POLITICSLet the above be a reminder of how far we've come - and why exercising our right to vote and to free speech will ensure increased political participation of generations of women yet to come.
Their West End and Harlem Republican Associations Meet.
MISS BOSWELL ON REGISTRATION
Talks About Coffee for Election Day
Miss Helen Varick Boswell ... gave a history of the ballot in this country, and said ... "I have heard of women who got the men of their families to register by showing a great curiosity to know how it is done. Registration is only a matter of five minutes, but neglect of it deprives a man of the highest right of citizenship."
"I am thinking about coffee, " said Mrs. Wallerstein, the Treasurer....
"I think if we have coffee at the polls it had be better kept for the Republicans. We won't give any to the Democrats," said one enthusiastic partisan.
"I believe in giving coffee to every one," said Miss Phillips decidedly. "I am non-partisan...."
"Bring spoons and plates next time," called the President as the meeting broke up....
The next meeting of the auxiliary is to be a social one and there will be many good things to eat. That is the advantage women's political organizations have over those of men.
Sources:
Gidengil, Elisabeth and Andre Blais, Neil Nevitte, Richard Nadeau. "Women to the Left, Men to the Right? Gender and Voting in the 1997 Canadian Election." Paper presented at the 2000 Congress of the International Political Science Association, Quebec City, August 1-5, 2000.
Gidengil, Elisabeth and Allison Harell, Bonnie H. Rickson. "Network Diversity and Vote Choice: Women's Social Ties and Left Voting in Canada." Cambridge Journals Politics and Gender, Cambridge University Press 9 July 2007.
"Public Knowledge of Current Affairs Little Changed by News and Information Revolutions." The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press 15 April 2007.
"American Mothers are Primary Influence on Women's Political Behavior and Attitudes, Oxygen/Markle Pulse Finds." The Markle Foundation, 13 June 2000.
"Women Discuss Politics: Their West End and Harlem Republican Associations Meet." The New York Times, 5 October 1895.
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