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Women, Power, Politics: The Hidden Story of Canada's Unfinished Democracy
Women's participation in politics matters very much.
Yet in Canada, women MPs have been stuck at a level of roughly one-fifth since 1993, and Stephen Harper has fewer women in his government than did Brian Mulroney. Although we may believe women are making progress, their representation in politics seems decidedly stalled. So it comes as no surprise that we hear little about issues of particular interest to women--breast cancer, violence against women, or the poverty of single mothers.
In this engaging, no-nonsense, and witty book, Sylvia Baskevkin argues that Canadians have a profound unease with women in positions of political authority--what she calls the "women plus power equals discomfort" equation. She explores the specific reasons why this discomfort is particularly severe in Canada. Bashevkin also evaluates a range of barriers faced by women who enter politics, including the media's role in assessing the leadership styles, personal appearances, and private lives of female politicians. In clear, accessible terms, Bashevkin explains concepts such as "gender schemas" and "media framing" in terms of key examples, such as Belinda Stronach and Hillary Clinton.
Finally, Bashevkin outlines some compelling solutions to address the stalemate facing women in Canadian politics.
Yet in Canada, women MPs have been stuck at a level of roughly one-fifth since 1993, and Stephen Harper has fewer women in his government than did Brian Mulroney. Although we may believe women are making progress, their representation in politics seems decidedly stalled. So it comes as no surprise that we hear little about issues of particular interest to women--breast cancer, violence against women, or the poverty of single mothers.
In this engaging, no-nonsense, and witty book, Sylvia Baskevkin argues that Canadians have a profound unease with women in positions of political authority--what she calls the "women plus power equals discomfort" equation. She explores the specific reasons why this discomfort is particularly severe in Canada. Bashevkin also evaluates a range of barriers faced by women who enter politics, including the media's role in assessing the leadership styles, personal appearances, and private lives of female politicians. In clear, accessible terms, Bashevkin explains concepts such as "gender schemas" and "media framing" in terms of key examples, such as Belinda Stronach and Hillary Clinton.
Finally, Bashevkin outlines some compelling solutions to address the stalemate facing women in Canadian politics.
- GenresPolitics
186 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 17, 2017
In this fiery and contentious little book, Bashevkin maintains that gender parity has yet to be achieved within the realm of Canadian politics. Her arguments throughout are very tight, and her language is down-to-earth and free of jargon. But at its heart, Women, Power, Politics is a call to arms: after providing the relevant facts, Bashevkin then proceeds to sketch out several avenues for action. Recommended for anyone with a stake in Canadian democracy.
November 11, 2013
This should be mandatory reading.
March 18, 2018
Very important read, just disappointed that there was absolutely no mention of the lack of racial diversity in politics and or mention of challenges that women of colour face.
March 18, 2014
All citizens should read this book. Of any country.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews