Dolan provides significant suggestions for further analysis, noting a need for a better understanding of the interaction between stereotypes and party preferences, as well as analysis of candidates and stereotyping at the state and local level.
M. A. Mueller, Eastern Illinois University, CHOICE
In this must-read book for both scholars and practitioners, Kathleen Dolan offers compelling evidence that ... Read morevoters' gender stereotypes matter far less for women candidates' election outcomes than commonly believed. Her nuanced analysis of original panel study data from the 2010 election cycle significantly advances our understanding of how the effects of gendered attitudes and stereotypes vary depending on political party, level of office, and the gender of the candidates in the race.
Susan J. Carroll, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University
Do women who run for office face an uphill battle? Is sexism still an obstacle that female candidates must surmount? Do voters continue to rely on traditional gender stereotypes when they evaluate candidates and elected officials? Despite some high-profile examples of gender bias on the campaign trail, and a tenacious conventional wisdom, Kathleen Dolan argues that gender stereotypes do not systematically harm or hamper female candidates. And the original survey data on which she relies in When Does Gender Matter? make it hard to refute her case. Anyone interested in a detailed account of when gender matters in elections -or, perhaps more aptly put, when it does not - must read this book. You might be surprised by what you will learn.
Jennifer L. Lawless, Professor of Government and Director of the Women & Politics Institute, American University
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