The question about how political party culture and gender norms interact is an old one that has received much attention from scholars across multiple disciplines. One area where this relationship becomes particularly visible is within the context of parliamentary politics, which often involve extensive social interactions between politicians and their colleagues. This paper will explore some of these interactions to show that sexual norms and taboos play a crucial role in shaping the internal cultures of political parties and elite networks.
In order to understand the interplay between gender norms and party cultures, it is important to consider both what we mean by "gender" and "culture." Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male or female in different cultural contexts. Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and practices that characterize a given society. Together, these concepts shape the ways people interact with each other, including in the context of formal institutions such as political parties.
Political parties are organizations that seek to influence public policy through electoral means, typically by winning elections. They are typically organized around ideological principles and can be divided into left-wing, right-wing, center-left, and center-right groups. Party leaders are responsible for setting the agenda, organizing campaigns, and controlling the decision-making process. Members include elected representatives (politicians) and rank-and-file supporters who may participate in party activities such as meetings, rallies, demonstrations, or fundraising events. Political parties have long been seen as primarily male spaces, with women historically underrepresented in leadership positions and subject to various forms of discrimination.
One key aspect of this underrepresentation is the existence of gender-based norms within political parties, which tend to privilege certain types of behavior over others.
Masculine traits such as assertiveness, dominance, and competitiveness are often valued while feminine qualities such as empathy, nurturing, and cooperation are downplayed. These norms create an environment where women feel unwelcome and unable to fully participate in party life, leading many to leave politics altogether.
In addition to shaping internal dynamics within parties, sexual norms also play a role in shaping the broader culture surrounding politics. Politics has traditionally been viewed as a man's world, with men holding most leadership roles and dominating major debates about policy issues. This perception has led to the development of stereotypes about female politicians, including the notion that they are weak or untrustworthy compared to their male counterparts. Such attitudes help to maintain traditional power structures and reinforce the idea that politics is not for everyone.
Recent research suggests that these attitudes are changing, particularly among younger generations. Young people are increasingly open to breaking down gender barriers and challenging traditional norms, making them more likely to support candidates who defy expectations. At the same time, social media has made it easier for individuals to connect with like-minded people across party lines, potentially creating new networks that cut through longstanding divisions between left and right.
Despite these positive developments, there remains much work to be done in terms of addressing gender disparities within political parties and the wider culture of politics. By understanding how sexual norms shape this process, scholars can begin to identify ways to create a more inclusive and equitable political landscape.
Greater representation of women in leadership positions could lead to better policies on issues such as reproductive rights, equal pay, and sexual harassment prevention.
How do sexual norms and taboos shape the internal cultures of political parties and elite networks?
Sexual norms and taboos have always been an integral part of any culture as they reflect people's values, beliefs, and attitudes towards sex and sexuality. Internal cultures of political parties and elite networks are no exception. These institutions function based on the principles that determine their members' behavior, which can be heavily influenced by their cultural backgrounds.