Female Ministers Research Articles

Political Leaders and Gender Disparity: The Link between Economic Hardship and Female Ministerial Appointments

Abstract While previous studies have examined the factors contributing to the appointment of women in government cabinets, few have investigated the role of political leaders in promoting women's cabinet representation. Drawing on political socialization theory, we argue that political leaders from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are more inclined to appoint female members to ministerial positions than their wealthier counterparts. This propensity stems from leaders’ personal experiences of economic hardship, which foster their interest in improving political equality among social groups and reducing gender disparities by appointing more female ministers. Analyzing an original dataset encompassing leaders’ family backgrounds across 155 countries between 1966 and 2015, we find that leaders who have experienced economic hardship significantly increase the proportion of female ministers in executive cabinets. This finding holds across various model specifications and effectively addresses endogeneity concerns. Our research highlights the crucial role of political leaders in shaping gender politics based on their economic backgrounds.

A qualitative study on the attitudes of women politicians toward their roles in politics: a case of Northern Cyprus.

Politics is a mechanism of cooperation for the common interest of society. In this mechanism, each individual is expected to participate equally in the leadership and decision-making mechanisms. Women's participation in politics is essential for the spread of good governance and democracy. Globally, political participation is disaggregated by gender, with men's participation greater than women's. A lower representation of women in politics is also observed in Northern Cyprus. The attitudes or views of society and politicians may determine the political participation of women in leadership positions. This study examines the obstacles and determining factors that make it difficult for women to reach leadership positions even though their political role is increasing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 female participants for this research. Eleven of them are female ministers in parliament and represent the three main political parties in the country. The remaining 10 female participants are also members of the central executive body of the three parties and the National Assembly. Women politicians believe that problems related to gender equality in politics prevent women from entering active politics and rising to leadership positions. Although there was no gender discrimination in Northern Cyprus means that women have gained equal rights with men in many areas, it was concluded that the traditional political culture keeps women out of politics.

Don’t put a ring on it: Gender stereotypes in citizens’ preferences for executive positions

Scholarly investigations have greatly advanced our understanding of gender stereotypes as they pertain to leadership roles. However, an examination of citizens’ evaluations of the personal and political characteristics of ministers using an experimental design is still lacking. In this article, we aim to determine whether individuals exhibit discrimination against women occupying the position of finance minister (FM), which presents an opportunity to assess the impact of stereotypes within one of the most ‘masculine’ cabinet portfolios. We implement a conjoint analysis in Spain to isolate the influence of appointees’ attributes on their selection. The results suggest that women are preferred for this post. In contrast to established knowledge derived from legislative studies, being single benefits female ministers more than it does their male counterparts in obtaining the position of FM, as agentic attributes can hold more value in these positions.

Self-promotion, ideology and power in the social media posts of Nigerian Female Political Leaders

Abstract This article examines how Nigerian female political leaders (NFPLs) exploit self-presentation strategies to formulate and promote social justice. Using insights from critical discourse analysis and Jones and Pittman’s (1982) self-presentation strategies, and with a data set from the verified Facebook and Twitter accounts of two female ministers and three female senators, the study investigates how NFPLs systematically utilize discursive strategies such as self-promotion, ingratiation, exemplification, intimidation and supplication to present themselves as a powerful voice for the voiceless and as active alternative leaders. The study argues that the strategies help the leaders to amplify their authority by showcasing personal presence and past accomplishments, appealing to the concerns of the masses and soliciting their support in future elections. The study demonstrates that these strategies project female leaders as dynamic participants in political and public decision-making processes and positively evaluate their contributions to social change.

The Case of Luke 2:36-39 and the Challenges of Women Priesthood in Methodist Church Nigeria

The issue of women's priesthood has been a challenge to Christendom in general and the Methodist Church in Nigeria in particular. Little attention has been given to the efforts and contributions of women ministers. Likewise, they have been denied many of their priestly functions as co-workers in the service of God in terms of conducting the Eucharist, baptism, and solemnisation of marriage. The study is empirically based on the findings from 960 respondents out of 1200 questionnaires administered. Findings revealed that Methodist Church Nigeria had ordained more than 50 full-time female ministers promoted to the post of Presbyters. However, despite this, there exists a numerical disparity between male and female priests, including gender differences and disparity in functions that female priests could perform. Using Luke 2:36–39 as the theoretical basis for analysis, the study suggests the need for the Methodist Church (Nigeria) to allow female ministers to use their God-given talents without any discrimination or undue hindrances to promote the gospel's spread.

Consolidating Progress: The Selection of Female Ministers in Autocracies and Democracies

Though governments historically have been a men’s club, women are increasingly gaining access. We argue that democratic institutions are important drivers of women’s inclusion in government. This stems from the rationales of autocratic versus democratic leaders when selecting ministers. Autocrats fear a coup by inner-circle elites, who are mostly men, incentivizing them to assign ministerial positions as co-optation. In contrast, democratic leaders are accountable to the citizenry through elections and must satisfy increasing demands for gender equality. Furthermore, we argue that it is historical experience with democracy that matters, rather than the level, as it takes time to create an even playing field, change attitudes, and generate trust in democracy. To support this, we contribute with the first study using the most comprehensive dataset, WhoGov, on women’s access to cabinets. Overall, we show that democracy is a process that gradually enables women to enter the highest echelons of power.

The politics of disaggregated family policy: The role of party ideology and women's political representation in governments

AbstractAlthough affluent democracies experienced family policy expansion, there are remarkable country differences. Whilst some countries focus on policies supporting the male breadwinner model such as family allowances, others prioritise gender equality supporting public childcare. We explain this variation by arguing for governments as key actors in parliamentary democracies and test two sets of explanations: party ideology and women's representation. Our error correction models covering 16 affluent parliamentary democracies between 1991 and 2015 reveal that non‐left rather than left parties matter for family policy. Secular centre and Christian‐Democratic parties promote father‐specific leave, whilst secular right parties reduce spending on childcare and family allowances as well as father‐specific leave. The share of female ministers is associated with higher childcare expenses, and instead of women's share, the gender of the family affairs minister affects father‐specific leave expansions.

Gender and Strategic Opposition Behavior: Patterns of Parliamentary Oversight in Belgium

Studies on strategic parliamentary opposition often focus on broader behavioral patterns or party‐level variation. This article analyzes differences at the individual level, more notably between male and female opposition members of parliament. Using rational‐choice perspectives of opposition activity and theories of gendered political behavior, we hypothesize that female opposition members focus less on ideological conflicts (with or between coalition parties) and more on their party’s core issues. Furthermore, we expect them to more frequently target female ministers, in part because of the nature of their respective portfolios. Our analysis of all parliamentary questions tabled by opposition members in the Belgian Federal Parliament between 2007 and 2019 (N = 48,735) suggests that female members of parliament seem more likely to focus on issues that are salient to their party and less on conflictual matters between coalition partners. These results provide new empirical insights into strategic opposition behavior and gendered differences in the legislature.

‘This Work In Hand My Friends May Have’: Finding Female Ministers in Alternative Sources

‘This Work In Hand My Friends May Have’: Finding Female Ministers in Alternative Sources

Political parties, issue salience, and the appointment of women cabinet members

AbstractDo parties relegate female ministers to portfolios that are politically less important for them? This research note contributes to this debate and examines whether the issue salience of parties for specific policy areas has an effect on the nomination of a female minister. Previous theoretical work assumes that party leaders will be more likely to select men for those portfolios that are highly salient for the party. To test this assumption empirically, the paper analyzes the appointment of women cabinet members in the German states between 2006 and 2021. Notably, the findings contradict the theoretical expectations as well as previous empirical results from a cross-national study: On the German sub-national level the nomination of a female minister is more likely if the respective portfolio is highly salient for the governing party. Parties and their policy-preferences seem to be an important factor in explaining the share of women in sub-national cabinets.

Gendering Cabinet Reshuffles in France and Spain

AbstractPresidents and prime ministers who form gender-parity cabinets receive positive news coverage and public praise. Cabinet reshuffles, with less attention, may offer scope to decrease the numbers of female ministers. Although research on the gendered impact of reshuffles is sparse, some studies suggest that women's presence declines during reshuffles. This article explores the gendered dynamics of reshuffles that follow initial gender-parity cabinets, asking whether the reshuffle context affects the proportions of men and women in reorganized cabinet teams. Employing a comparative case study approach, the article analyses initial gender-parity cabinets and subsequent reshuffled cabinets in France and Spain across three different presidents and prime ministers. We find that gender parity functions as a concrete floor, sustained in cabinet reshuffles, unaffected by political shocks and party system changes, and without consequence for women's appointments to high-prestige ministerships.

When does women’s political power matter? Women’s representation and legal gender equality of economic opportunity across contexts

AbstractThis article explores how women’s descriptive representation affects legal gender equality of economic opportunity. Building on existing studies on women’s descriptive and substantive representation, we argue that as the proportion of female legislators and ministers increases, legal gender equality of economic opportunity improves. Additionally, we expect that a country’s institutional context significantly shapes the influence of women in different positions of power on legal gender equality. The higher the legislature’s law-making power, the greater the effect of female legislators on legal gender equality; under the same condition, its relative influence compared to female cabinet ministers is also greater. Similarly, we hypothesize that the higher the level of democracy, the more effective female legislators compared to female ministers. To test these arguments, we draw on the database that provides cross-national information on legal discrimination against women in economic opportunities and provide supporting evidence for our arguments.

Srikandi Heroin Discourse in Online News Framing Female Ministers of Indonesia

This research is intended to mapping the depiction of the female minister as public officials in Indonesia. Through this research, it is expected to find out how the media package the character of female minister base on announced the composition of ministers in the cabinet. This research uses the framing framework developed by Robert N. Entman. This model is used to describe the selection process and highlight certain aspects of reality by the media. Framing Entman. Define Problems; How can Female Minister problems become an issue? How Economic Nation Impact form Female Minister? Or as a problem?, Diagnose Causes ; What is the reason for being called an female minister figure? What is considered the cause of a problem?, Make Moral judgement ; What moral values are presented to explain. What moral values are used to legitimize an female minister? and the last Treatment Recommendation , What solutions are offered to address female minister? What path is offered and main opinion to Female Minister? . Result of this research are Indonesia Online Media Online Media Frame 5 Female Ministers in Indonesia can be put together, the confirmation of women's success as leaders up to 2x is from the role of the family, the criteria for a leader to be trusted as a minister, trustworthy, competent and qualified in their field, in accordance with community support, supported by predecessor ministers , depicted like Heroine.

한국교회의 성차별 문화 분석과 선교적 평등성의 실천 방안

This study criticizes patriarchal sexism in the Korean Church and suggests practical alternatives to reform this gender injustice in the light of the application of the “missional equality.” The Korean Church generally maintains patriarchal clericalism, sex segregation in the sphere of ministry, and exclusion of women in charge of birthing and parenting. This unjust fabric of ministry is disregarding the value of equality in the missional vocation of God’s people, equality in the Holy Spirit’s distribution of missional gifts, and equality in community’s support for one another. Therefore, this paper urges the Korean Church to recover the missional equality by implementing the gender-equity relationship of ministry, providing female ministers the plentiful opportunity to experience diverse fields of ministry, and developing the hospitality for nurturing children.

Psychological type profile of ministers of word and sacrament within the United Reformed Church (URC)

ABSTRACT Preference within the perceiving process (sensing or intuition) is one of the main features within psychological type theory that differentiates clergy serving within different streams of the Christian Church. Previous research has identified a higher proportion of intuitive types among Church of England clergy than among clergy serving within the Free Churches (Baptist, Methodist, Salvation Army). New data from 93 ministers serving within the United Reformed Church suggest that this denomination may occupy a position between the Church of England and other Free Churches, with 55% of male ministers, and 53% of female ministers preferring intuition.

Career Decisions and Strategies of Women in Protestant Ministry

Special difficulties arise for women even today if they wish to pursue their career as Protestant ministers. These difficulties are partly the disadvantages experienced also by women in other professions – like horizontal segregation and glass ceiling, expectations based on traditional gender roles, stereotypes and prejudices, or even discrimination –, but partly they derive from peculiarities not characteristic of secular professions, which mostly have to do with expectations related to roles based on the conservative values and norms characteristic of religious environments as well as with the fact that conditions and expectations have been tailored to men traditionally in this profession. In spite of these difficulties more and more women are choosing the ministerial profession all over the world, including Hungary. Our study investigates how the ministerial profession is constructed for women. We have focused on the formative personal decisions made in the course of women’s career as ministers as well as on those respective influences exercised by their personal environment and the religious institutions that had impact on their decisions. We have provided an overview of the career decisions made by female ministers along with criteria and difficulties related to the decisions. We drew the conclusion that the decisions outline three typical career strategies for female ministers. It is characteristic of all three career strategies that the decisions related to private life and the decisions related to the profession are very intertwined and interdependent. We argue that secular professions tend to be quite different from the ministerial profession in this respect. This study is based on our research („Nők a lelkészi pályán” NKFIH K-128313) in which we have analyzed 26 in-depth interviews with female ministers.

Figurines and Doyennes: The Selection of Female Ministers in Autocracies and Democracies

Figurines and Doyennes: The Selection of Female Ministers in Autocracies and Democracies

Representation and Ministerial Influence on Cabinet Committees in Canada

AbstractCabinet committees are important sites of executive politics in Canada. This article examines the extent to which two representational attributes—gender and region—determine influence, as a function of cabinet committee structure. Employing a dataset of ministers under the three most recent prime ministers, I find that female ministers are less likely than male ministers to be influential in terms of connections to other ministers, to belong to the core of most influential ministers and to be represented on the most powerful committees or chairing committees. However, there is evidence of improvement over time. While regional representation is an imperative in cabinet making for Canadian prime ministers, its role in determining ministerial influence within committees is not evident: ministers from less-represented regions are no more likely to be influential than other ministers. This analysis highlights a neglected but central arena for social representation in Canadian government.

Psychological type profiles and temperaments of ministers in the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB)

ABSTRACT Psychological type profiles and temperaments were assessed among 232 male and 51 female ministers linked to the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) and compared with previously published samples from the general UK population and the Church of England. Compared with the general population, Baptist ministers showed greater propensity for introversion, intuition, and judging. Male ministers showed greater propensity for feeling than the general population, but there was no difference among the women. Compared with Anglican clergy, Baptist ministers showed similar preferences for orientation and judging, but greater propensity towards sensing over intuition and judging over perceiving. The most frequent temperament was Epimethean (SJ), followed by Apollinarian (NF) among women and Promethean (NT) among men. The most frequent psychological types were ISTJ, ISFJ, and INFP. The implications for the type of leadership and pastoral care offered by these ministers are discussed.

The world’s first mainly female cabinet: “The council of female ministers” in the Spanish cabinet (2018) on Twitter

Abstract 1 June 2018 marked a historic moment in Spanish politics, when the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (Partido Socialista Obrero Español, PSOE) announced a cabinet with the largest proportion of female ministers in the world. This announcement received extensive coverage in the traditional media. The objective of this research was to measure whether the news had an equivalent impact on Twitter users. To this end, we analyzed the reaction to the appointments based on the popularity of the hashtags #GobiernoSanchez (“Sanchez Government”), #GobiernoFeminista (“Feminist Government”) and #ConsejoMinistras (“Council of Female Ministers”). The most significant findings are that women had even less visibility than they were given in traditional media because of what is not retweeted does not exist, and that the extreme polarization of political life and the media in the public sphere appears to extend to the digital environment of Twitter.