Beyond the gender gap: Presidential politics is a ‘masculinity contest’
Politics tamfitronics In the United States, women have, for decades, tilted toward Democrats, who today are leaning into issues like abortion access and economic equality. Men have leaned toward Republicans, who are evoking traditional gender roles in discussing gun violence, child care, and family planning.But this campaign underscores a preference – beyond gender – for masculinity in the nation’s highest office, says Lindsey Meeks, a University of Oklahoma professor specializing in political communication and gender: “It doesn’t have to necessarily be a man, but still really liking a masculine presence at that level.”Politics tamfitronics Why We Wrote ThisThe gender gap in U.S. presidential politics is not new. But in this election year, the importance of projecting power has become gendered. Both candidates are wooing voters with their own brands of masculinity.Former President Donald Trump’s...
