Many people believe that the political elite controls and governs the country's affairs, but this is not entirely true. There is another power that holds more influence than them. It is the sexual one. Sexual norms exist implicitly within the political elites, which governs access to power. These norms are based on how men and women interact with each other.
If a man wants to climb up the ladder of success in politics, he must be able to form strategic alliances with powerful figures who have significant control over certain resources or assets needed for advancement.
These alliances depend on personal connections. The male politicians have to develop romantic relationships with female colleagues or bosses to gain access to such connections. This way, they can get ahead in their career faster than those without such connections.
The implicit sexual norms also govern how members of the same sex relate to each other within the political arena.
Homosexuality is frowned upon because it threatens the dominant heteronormative culture prevalent among the political elite. To make matters worse, homophobia is tolerated as part of the unspoken rules of engagement. Homosexuals cannot express themselves freely or openly in fear of retaliation from fellow politicians who might denounce them publicly, thus ruining their chances at ever getting into power.
Implicit sexual norms also dictate how political leaders approach intimacy with their partners outside the workplace. They must maintain an image of being respectable and professional while pursuing romantic relationships outside work hours. This means avoiding any signs of promiscuity that would tarnish their reputation in public eyes. If caught doing something immoral or illegal by the media, such as having affairs or soliciting prostitutes, it could cost them their careers irreparably. In short, the implicit sexual norms in politics create a system whereby only those willing to play by its rules can rise up the ladder of success.
What are the implicit sexual norms within political elites, and how do they govern access to power?
Political elites have traditionally been male-dominated and heteronormative, leading to the idea that those with gendered identities outside of cisgender masculinity and heterosexuality may be excluded from political leadership positions. These implicit norms can limit access to power for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, non-binary, or any other gender identity not considered traditional by society at large.