Gender and the American Presidency: Nine Presidential Women and the Barriers They Faced

Gender and the American Presidency is an interesting and unique approach to studying the role of gender in presidential politics. In looking at the reasons why these nine successful female politicians have been deemed “unpresidential,” the authors highlight the many challenges still faced by women in politics, especially when it comes to campaigning on the national level. — Lisa M. Burns, Quinnipiac University

A timely and important book, Gender and the American Presidency offers insightful analysis into the issues female politicians grapple with as they emerge onto the national stage and the role communication plays in the process. — Anne Mattina, Stonehill College

This timely, interesting study examines the careers of nine American women politicians to hypothesize why they were not assessed as presidential material. The women studied occupy the governorship of their states or seats in the Senate, are clearly brilliant leaders, but could not transcend the restricting force of gender obstacles to presidential candidacy. Differences in age, party, region, and rhetorical style are represented, as are evaluations of media coverage of the physical traits the women allegedly possess. The book offers in its first chapter a surprising bibliographic study of the growing literature on women and the American presidency. Few of the politicians studied are likely to be nationally known by readers, and an overview of their careers contributes significantly to the field of gender studies in general. Communication scholars Sheckels (Randolph-Macon College), Gutgold (Penn State, Lehigh), and Carlin (Saint Louis Univ.) are modest about the hypotheses generated–11, listed in the last chapter–by their research. They point out that many of the barriers to candidacy would also apply to men, just, apparently, not nearly so much. This has already become a common notion, and having solid research to confirm it is sure to stimulate further investigation. Summing Up: Recommended. ― CHOICE