Systemic and Sociocultural Factors Impeding Women’s Political Participation and Leadership Development: A Sociological Inquiry

In pursuing a deeper understanding of the persistent underrepresentation of women in politics and leadership positions, this article adopts a sociological lens to probe the intricate network of systemic barriers and sociocultural norms that continue to impede women’s full participation in the politi...

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Main Author: Li Yating
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: EDP Sciences 2024-01-01
Series:SHS Web of Conferences
Online Access:https://www.shs-conferences.org/articles/shsconf/pdf/2024/07/shsconf_essc2024_03016.pdf
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author Li Yating
author_facet Li Yating
author_sort Li Yating
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description In pursuing a deeper understanding of the persistent underrepresentation of women in politics and leadership positions, this article adopts a sociological lens to probe the intricate network of systemic barriers and sociocultural norms that continue to impede women’s full participation in the political arena. Gender stereotypes play a critical role in shaping public perception and expectations of leaders, with prevailing biases often favoring masculine traits and devaluing the leadership capabilities of women. Equally, the disproportionate burden of family responsibilities that women frequently shoulder imposes time and energy constraints, thus limiting their capacity to engage fully in political activities and campaigns. Beyond the confines of household obligations, the political culture and infrastructure itself are often unsympathetic to women, with institutional discrimination manifesting in various forms, from gendered political party practices to the lack of supportive networks for aspiring female politicians. The study unearths the subtle yet pervasive ways in which these sociopolitical structures and cultural attitudes intertwine, creating a formidable barrier to women’s political empowerment and leadership ascension. By illuminating these interconnections, the article seeks to advance the dialogue on what specific measures and systemic changes must be undertaken to dismantle these hurdles and pave the path toward gender parity in political leadership.
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spelling doaj.art-7828c95f392b4297960b4c611c5b45742024-03-22T08:07:56ZengEDP SciencesSHS Web of Conferences2261-24242024-01-011870301610.1051/shsconf/202418703016shsconf_essc2024_03016Systemic and Sociocultural Factors Impeding Women’s Political Participation and Leadership Development: A Sociological InquiryLi Yating0The University of ManchesterIn pursuing a deeper understanding of the persistent underrepresentation of women in politics and leadership positions, this article adopts a sociological lens to probe the intricate network of systemic barriers and sociocultural norms that continue to impede women’s full participation in the political arena. Gender stereotypes play a critical role in shaping public perception and expectations of leaders, with prevailing biases often favoring masculine traits and devaluing the leadership capabilities of women. Equally, the disproportionate burden of family responsibilities that women frequently shoulder imposes time and energy constraints, thus limiting their capacity to engage fully in political activities and campaigns. Beyond the confines of household obligations, the political culture and infrastructure itself are often unsympathetic to women, with institutional discrimination manifesting in various forms, from gendered political party practices to the lack of supportive networks for aspiring female politicians. The study unearths the subtle yet pervasive ways in which these sociopolitical structures and cultural attitudes intertwine, creating a formidable barrier to women’s political empowerment and leadership ascension. By illuminating these interconnections, the article seeks to advance the dialogue on what specific measures and systemic changes must be undertaken to dismantle these hurdles and pave the path toward gender parity in political leadership.https://www.shs-conferences.org/articles/shsconf/pdf/2024/07/shsconf_essc2024_03016.pdf
spellingShingle Li Yating
Systemic and Sociocultural Factors Impeding Women’s Political Participation and Leadership Development: A Sociological Inquiry
SHS Web of Conferences
title Systemic and Sociocultural Factors Impeding Women’s Political Participation and Leadership Development: A Sociological Inquiry
title_full Systemic and Sociocultural Factors Impeding Women’s Political Participation and Leadership Development: A Sociological Inquiry
title_fullStr Systemic and Sociocultural Factors Impeding Women’s Political Participation and Leadership Development: A Sociological Inquiry
title_full_unstemmed Systemic and Sociocultural Factors Impeding Women’s Political Participation and Leadership Development: A Sociological Inquiry
title_short Systemic and Sociocultural Factors Impeding Women’s Political Participation and Leadership Development: A Sociological Inquiry
title_sort systemic and sociocultural factors impeding women s political participation and leadership development a sociological inquiry
url https://www.shs-conferences.org/articles/shsconf/pdf/2024/07/shsconf_essc2024_03016.pdf
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