Still today, the unequal and gendered distribution of power and participation in American politics remains perplexing. To address this challenge, Banwart and Bystrom examine the research from political communication, political science, and psychology to deepen our understanding of the intersection of gender and politics. Starting with the most common theoretical approaches, they trace the history of womens right to vote in the U.S., womens political participation, the political socialization of U.S. citizens, gendered political candidate communication, and gendered media coverage. The authors demonstrate how gender stereotypes play an influential role in citizens perceptions of both politics and those seeking to participate in it. They conclude with an analysis of the 2022 midterm election cycle to expose lessons learned and existing barriers as we look to 2024 and beyond.

Mary Christine Banwart (Ph.D. University of Oklahoma) is a professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas. Dianne G. Bystrom (Ph.D. University of Oklahoma) is director emerita of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University.