PSCI 445 Women and Power, part 1

Summary

In this lecture, Dr. Chavez Matoya explores the role of women in politics, focusing on their representation in elected offices in the United States. Despite an increase in women leaders globally since the 1990s, the U.S. lags behind, ranking 76th for women's representation in government. The lecture discusses the importance of gender equality in decision-making and the impact of women's participation on policy, emphasizing the need for structural changes to achieve political parity.

Takeaways

• 👩‍🏫 Dr. Chavez Matoya introduces the topic of women's power and decision-making in political science, focusing on the United States.
• 🌍 Representation in politics is crucial for reflecting the diversity of a population, with women making up 49.6% of the global population.
• 📊 Historically, there has been a significant increase in the number of women leaders since the 1990s, with a 220% increase from the 1980s to the 1990s.
• 🏆 As of March 2020, 21 women serve as heads of state or government out of 195 countries, representing 11% of executive offices.
• 📉 Despite progress, the United States ranks 76th out of 192 countries for women's representation in government, tied with Afghanistan and Cabo Verde.
• 🏛 The importance of women in legislative bodies is highlighted, with the United Nations advocating for a 'critical mass' of 30% women in parliamentary seats.
• 📈 Women's representation in the U.S. Congress has been growing, with a record number of women, including women of color, elected in the 2018 midterm elections.
• 🌐 Internationally, countries like Rwanda, Cuba, and Bolivia lead in women's parliamentary representation, with over 50% of seats held by women.
• 🔍 The script suggests that structural changes are necessary for substantial increases in women's representation in elected offices.
• 💡 Shirley Chisholm's quote emphasizes the proactive approach women must take to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lecture by Dr. Chavez Matoya?

The main topic of the lecture is 'Women Power and Decision-Making', focusing on women's representation in elected offices, particularly in the United States.

Why is representation in decision-making important for women?

Representation in decision-making is important for women because it ensures their voices and interests are considered, which can impact policies that directly affect their daily lives.

How many women serve as head of country or head of state as of March 2020?

As of March 2020, 21 women serve as head of country or head of state.

What percentage of women are in executive office worldwide as of the data provided?

As of the data provided, 11 percent of women are in executive office worldwide.

What was the United Nations' call in 1990 regarding women's representation in parliaments?

In 1990, the United Nations called for women to hold a critical mass of 30 percent of parliamentary seats.

How many countries had reached or exceeded 30 percent women's representation in their single or lower house of parliament by 2010?

By 2010, only 26 countries had reached or exceeded 30 percent women's representation in their single or lower house of parliament.

What was the percentage of women in the United States House of Representatives in 2010?

In 2010, women held 16.8 percent of seats in the United States House of Representatives.

How did the 2018 midterm elections change the political landscape for women in the U.S. Congress?

The 2018 midterm elections saw a record number of women running and winning seats in the U.S. Congress, with 102 women in the House, bringing it to 23.2 percent of the total seats.

What rank does the United States hold in terms of women's representation in government compared to other countries?

The United States ties with Afghanistan and Cabo Verde for 76th place out of 192 countries in terms of women's representation in government.

Which country has the highest percentage of women in its parliament according to the script?

Rwanda has the highest percentage of women in its parliament, with women holding 61.4 percent of parliamentary seats.

What was Shirley Chisholm's advice for women who are not given a seat at the table?

Shirley Chisholm advised that if they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.