Research and Scholarship

CAWP research and research by CAWP scholars that addresses emerging questions about American women's political participation. 

  • Turning the Tables: Behind Every Successful Woman

    by Kelly Dittmar
    Book chapter in Women and Executive Office: Pathways and Performance, ed. Melody Rose, Lynne Reiner Publishers

    This chapter analyzes the 2008 Democratic presidential primary to consider the ways in which a male spouse challenges a female candidate’s image as a capable and independent executive.  Dittmar examines the media’s framing of both male and female spouses on the campaign trail and analyzes the extent to which coverage reflects a transgendering, or equal gender valuing, of candidate spouses’ roles. She finds a combination of spousal role evolution and constraint in media frames, simultaneously empowering presidential spouses while attributing greater gender power to the masculine partner – whether candidate or spouse. 

    Book Chapter
    Research
    CAWP Scholar
    Candidates and Campaigns
    Statewide Executive
    Order the book

  • The Quest for Women’s Votes in Election 2012

    by Kira Sanbonmatsu
    Scholars Strategy Network Basic Facts

    An analysis of women voters and the role they will play in the 2012 elections. 

    Article
    Research
    Election Watch
    CAWP Scholar
    Women Voters and the Gender Gap
    Access the PDF