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3 - The Gender Gap in Political Ambition

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 September 2012

Jennifer L. Lawless  and
Richard L. Fox
Jennifer L. Lawless
Affiliation:
American University, Washington DC
Richard L. Fox
Affiliation:
Union College, New York
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Summary

If I'm angry about something that the government has done, I write letters and I sign petitions. I'm very interested in politics. I read the paper and I listen to National Public Radio. It would just never occur to me to be part of the fray. Running for office is something I'd just never think to do.

– Melissa Stevens-Jones, 51, attorney, New Mexico

I follow many political issues – health care, the environment, school choice, tax reform. I read the newspaper, listen to talk radio, and watch cable news. The more and more I see, the more and more I know that I have to get in there. I can't imagine not running for office in the future.

– Larry Ginsberg, 53, attorney, Florida

Politics is a thankless job. It takes your soul. Entering it has never even crossed my mind. If I ever wanted to do something new professionally, politics wouldn't be it. Politics would be at the bottom of the list.

– Lila Meyers, 47, business owner, Massachusetts

Sure, I've considered running. I'm not interested in it right now, but who knows? Maybe in 10 years I'll want a career change. Maybe I'll want to be a mayor … or an astronaut.

– Charles Bartelson, 44, business owner, Missouri

More than two centuries ago, the Founders sought to create a national legislature that allowed competent, successful citizens to serve their nation for a few years; the notion of career politicians was not something they envisioned.

Type
Chapter
Information
It Takes a Candidate
Why Women Don't Run for Office
 , pp. 37 - 50
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2005

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