Suchergebnisse

Disparity between political opportunities afforded men and those available to women; US. Examines precongressional careers for indirect evidence of the credentials that favor political success.

The precongressional careers of US congresswomen & congressmen are examined for indirect evidence of the credentials that nourish ambition & favor success for women & how these compare to those of men. Background data on all 84 Fs & a random sample of 237 Ms elected from 1916 to 1975 were collected; for the post-WWII period, information on some of the women was obtained, or confirmed, through personal interviews with them or their staffs. Rs were divided into 6 groups according to the congressional session in which they first served: first entry, depression decade, wartime gains, professional breakthrough, quiet consolidation, & feminist convergence. Outcome for Fs at each stage are described. Among the findings, analysis shows that there is now an established career path based on achieved rather than ascribed SS characteristics. Therefore, more women will aspire to congressional careers & will know better how to direct their lives toward the realization of that ambition. The political family route does not offer the same prospect of preparing & planning for a political career. Similar M-F recruitment patterns now teach women similar means of operating in Congress, so that they are more effective in reaching their personal legislative goals, in serving their constituents, & in gaining re-election. 5 Tables, 6 Figures. Modified AA