Beyond The Woman's Card. The Politics of Gender in Hillary Clinton's Second Presidential Campaign

Table of Contents

Introduction

1) A Little History of Feminism, Power and Politics

2) Theorizing Gender Impact in American Presidential Politics

Sociological Barriers within the Political System

Structural Barriers within the Political System

Voter Attitudes towards Women Candidates

Media Impact on Presidential Campaigns

3) Theoretical Strategies to Overcome Gender Hurdles in a Presidential Campaign

4) Hillary Clinton & the Glass Ceiling

Clinton's Way Through the Presidential Pipeline

Clinton & The Voters

Clinton & The Media

5) Clinton's Changing Gender Strategies in 2008 & 2016

Clinton's Equality Feminism Approach 2008

Clinton's Difference Feminism Approach 2016

Conclusion

Objectives and Research Themes

This thesis examines the persistent impact of gender on American presidential politics, focusing specifically on the career and campaign strategies of Hillary Rodham Clinton. The research aims to deconstruct the notion of a "post-gender" society by analyzing how institutional, societal, and media-driven gender biases continue to influence the viability of female presidential candidates, while comparing Clinton’s strategic shifts between her 2008 and 2016 campaigns.

• The historical and theoretical foundations of gendered power in American politics.
• Structural and sociological barriers, including the "presidential pipeline" and gender stereotyping.
• The influence of media coverage and public discourse on the perception of female candidates.
• A comparative analysis of "Equality Feminism" versus "Difference Feminism" as political campaign strategies.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Introduction: Outlines the historical context of women in American politics and sets the scope for analyzing Hillary Clinton's political journey within the framework of persistent gendered barriers.

1) A Little History of Feminism, Power and Politics: Traces the historical trajectory of the American feminist movement and women's struggle for political representation from the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention to the 1992 "Year of the Woman".

2) Theorizing Gender Impact in American Presidential Politics: Examines the theoretical underpinnings of gender bias, exploring how sociological stereotypes and structural institutional barriers create hurdles for women seeking the presidency.

3) Theoretical Strategies to Overcome Gender Hurdles in a Presidential Campaign: Analyzes the dual challenges of the "tough versus caring" and "experience versus change" binds, introducing Equality and Difference Feminism as strategic responses.

4) Hillary Clinton & the Glass Ceiling: Provides a detailed case study of Clinton's professional rise, her time as First Lady, and the media-driven scrutiny that has shaped her public identity.

5) Clinton's Changing Gender Strategies in 2008 & 2016: Compares Clinton's "Equality Feminism" approach in 2008 against her "Difference Feminism" strategy in 2016, assessing the efficacy of these methods in navigating the modern political landscape.

Conclusion: Synthesizes findings on how the interplay between gendered expectations and campaign tactics has evolved, highlighting the ongoing influence of gender in the 2016 presidential election.

Keywords

Hillary Clinton, Gender Politics, Glass Ceiling, Presidential Campaign, Feminism, Equality Feminism, Difference Feminism, Media Bias, Political Strategy, Gender Stereotypes, Voter Attitudes, American Presidency, Structural Barriers, Double Bind, Political Pipeline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this bachelor thesis?

The work investigates the role of gender in American presidential politics, using Hillary Rodham Clinton’s career and her 2008 and 2016 campaigns as a primary case study to illustrate how gendered stereotypes and structural hurdles impact female candidates.

What are the primary themes discussed in the text?

Key themes include the historical exclusion of women from the public sphere, the "glass ceiling" in presidential politics, the influence of media narratives, and the tension between "Equality" and "Difference" feminist strategies.

What is the central research question?

The thesis explores how Hillary Clinton has navigated and attempted to overcome gender-based barriers to secure the presidency, and how her strategic framing of her identity has evolved over time.

Which theoretical framework does the author apply?

The author utilizes theories from gender and political studies, specifically referencing works by scholars like Susan J. Carroll, Regina G. Lawrence, and Melody Rose to understand gender bias and campaign strategies.

How is the main body of the work structured?

The text begins by establishing a historical and theoretical basis for gender impact, proceeds to analyze structural obstacles and media influence, and concludes with a comparative evaluation of Clinton's changing political strategies.

Which concepts are essential for characterizing this study?

Central concepts include the "presidential pipeline," "double binds," "masculinized imagery" in reporting, and the strategic differentiation between "Equality Feminism" and "Difference Feminism."

Why does the author consider Hillary Clinton's 1999 Senate bid a smart political move?

The author argues that the Senate serves as a primary "path to the presidency," providing the necessary political experience, funding, and national attention required for a serious presidential candidacy.

How did Clinton's 2008 strategy differ from her 2016 approach?

In 2008, Clinton primarily utilized an "Equality Feminism" approach, downplaying her gender to emphasize experience and toughness; in 2016, she shifted toward "Difference Feminism," actively embracing her identity as a woman and mother to foster connection and historic appeal.