Gender and Political Participation

Abstract Abstract: Across most democracies, gender differences continue to define a variety of modes of political participation. Examining only electoral forms of participation limits explanation of how, when, and why men and women participate in the political process. We discuss how communitarian and private spaces are grounds for political participation. We call for considering a wider set of contextual factors to explain variation across place, time, and modes of participation. Further, cross-level links between the international, national, and local can help theorize how context creates opportunities and incentives for particular forms of participation. Specifically, taking into account the contours of women’s movements and women’s organizations may improve understanding of gender differences in political participation and in the understanding of social movements.