Tarek Fahmy: Cultural Critic

Book Review:

:::BOOKS:::

• Sex as a Political Variable: Women as Candidates and Voters in U.S. Elections. By Richard A. Seltzer, Jody Newman, and Melissa Voorhees Leighton. Boulder Colo., and London: Lynne Rienner, 1997.

• Gender Dynamics in Congressional Elections. By Richard Logan Fox. Thousand Oaks, Claif., London, and New Delhi: Sage, 1997.

• The other Elites: Women, Politics, and Power in the Executive Branch. Edited by mary Anne Borrelli and Janet M. martin. Boulder Co., and London: Lynne Reinner, 1997.

Janet A. Flammang, Santa Clara University

Review LINK

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“Sex as a Political Variable: Women as Candidates and Voters in U.S. Elections”:

Based on prior studies of voter perception, women are more likely then men to vote democratic.

“Gender Dynamics in Congressional Elections”:

**general Voting issues for men:
• budget deficit
• crime
• defense spending
• taxes
• foreign policy

**general voting issues for women:
• health care
• education
• race relations
• abortion

**General voting issues for both:
• economy/jobs
• family values
• environment

“In 1992-1994, California voters concerned with abortion, the economy/jobs, the environment, education, health care and race relations supported Democratic candidates while those concerned with crime, immigration, taxes, welfare reform, the death penalty, foreign policy, and family values supported Republican candidates.

” The Other Elites: Women, Politics, and Power in the Executive Branch”

The author …emphasizes gender ideology, structural power relations in the Executive Branch.” p. 929

Janet M. martin reports that, “since 1961, every administration with the exception of those of Presidents Nixon and Reagan, has had a greater percentage of women serving in high level posts then the preceding administration.”

“The role of first lady is highly symbolic, and, as Barbara C. Burrell notes, it is historically circumscribed to first hostess.”

First Lady = First Hostess

“First ladies who have used their influence to affect policy have been frequently criticized,…” p.930

“The persistence of gender ideology is an obstacle for women.” p.930