Most people believe that politics is a man's world. It has always been dominated by men who have occupied positions of power for centuries.
There are female politicians who have made it to the top of their game, but they face unique challenges due to gendered erotic dynamics. These dynamics affect how both women and men perceive female leaders and their legitimacy as leaders. This article discusses these gendered erotic dynamics and how they impact women's leadership roles.
The first challenge that female leaders face is the perception of them being less masculine than male leaders. Male leaders are seen as strong and authoritative figures while female leaders are viewed as weak and submissive.
When Hillary Clinton ran for president in 2016, she was criticized for her 'shrillness' and 'aggression.' People expected her to be more likeable, which is often considered a feminine trait. On the other hand, President Trump was praised for his aggressiveness during campaign debates. His critics called him a bully, but his supporters saw him as a leader who was willing to stand up for himself. Female leaders must navigate this double standard, where they need to appear tough enough to lead without compromising their femininity.
Another challenge faced by female leaders is the sexualization of their bodies. They are often judged based on their appearance rather than their qualifications. This is particularly true for female politicians who choose to wear revealing clothes or show too much skin.
Nancy Pelosi is frequently mocked for her age and fashion sense despite having served in Congress for decades. Similarly, Theresa May has been criticized for wearing expensive designer clothes, which has led some people to question her priorities. The focus on appearance makes it difficult for female leaders to be taken seriously, as they are reduced to sex objects rather than political ones.
Gendered erotic dynamics influence how women are perceived as political partners. Men tend to view women as sexual conquests, whereas men are seen as political allies. Women are often objectified and treated as trophies, making them less likely to be taken seriously. This is illustrated by Donald Trump bragging about grabbing women without consent and not receiving any repercussions. Conversely, when Barack Obama was president, he was often photographed with Michelle Obama and referred to as a "hunky" leader. Gendered erotic dynamics can also affect how male colleagues treat female leaders.
Bernie Sanders' treatment of Elizabeth Warren during the 2016 primary debate revealed his disrespect towards her.
Gendered erotic dynamics impact legitimacy, whereby women are perceived as less capable than men. Male leaders are believed to have more experience and knowledge in politics, while female leaders are seen as novices. This perception persists even when women have equal or more experience than their male counterparts. It creates an environment where female leaders must constantly prove themselves, leading to burnout and stress.
Kamala Harris had to work twice as hard as Joe Biden during the 2020 campaign to show that she deserved to be vice-president.
Gendered erotic dynamics play a significant role in shaping perceptions of female politicians and their legitimacy as leaders. They face unique challenges that male leaders do not encounter, such as being judged on their appearance rather than qualifications. Female leaders must navigate these dynamics carefully to succeed in politics.
How do gendered erotic dynamics influence both perception and legitimacy of political leaders?
Research has shown that there are several ways gendered erotic dynamics can influence the perception and legitimacy of political leaders. Firstly, individuals tend to perceive female leaders as more empathetic and caring than their male counterparts, which makes them more appealing to voters who value these qualities. This perception may lead to greater support for women politicians regardless of their policies or actions.