The Rhetoric of Difference: On Women's Inclusion into Political Elites

In: Politics & society, Band 19, Heft 2, S. 233-263

Abstract

Norway has achieved an almost unique degree of representation by women in Parliament & cabinet-level positions, indicating the acceptance of gender difference & recognition of gender issues in national politics, though these women are not necessarily aligned with women's issues. While this disparity does not prove the operation of any co-optation mechanism, the danger that gender rhetoric may lead to a situation in which the presence of women in politics is seen as a sufficient advance in itself must be recognized. Comments are presented from surveys of members of Parliament & interviews with cabinet ministers. 2 Tables, 2 Figures. A. Levine